Isak double gives Iraola first Liverpool win — SkimNews
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- Alexander Isak struck twice in the first nine minutes (6th and 9th) at Portman Road, opening his Liverpool account with style after a miserable first season in which he managed just three Premier League goals in 703 minutes following his £125m move from Newcastle.
- Cody Gakpo delivered both assists — including a 'delicious' outside-of-the-foot pass from his own half — and was described as delivering a 'masterclass of creation,' having nearly departed for Manchester City before Liverpool failed to land replacement wingers Yankuba Minteh or Ismaila Sarr.
- Andoni Iraola recorded his first Premier League win since succeeding the sacked Arne Slot, declaring he will push Isak on defensive work and team play rather than goals because 'I know he is fit and in good shape.'
- Liverpool beat newly promoted Ipswich 2-0 to claim their first league victory of the season, with Bradley Barcola also making a 26-minute debut after a £123m arrival from Paris Saint-Germain.
- Isak now has five Premier League goals at Portman Road since the start of 2024-25 — joint most by any player at an away ground, equalling Erling Haaland's haul at Selhurst Park.
- Virgil van Dijk said keeping Gakpo was 'massive' for Liverpool, praising the Dutch forward's all-round performance beyond his two assists.
Why it matters: Liverpool's £125m record signing finally looked worth the price on the same night a near-departed Gakpo showed why Liverpool were right to block his move — together giving Iraola the kind of attacking template that could define his tenure after replacing Slot.
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