Alexander Isak scored a first-half brace to lead Liverpool to their first win of the English Premier League season, securing a 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town.
The Swedish striker, who endured a difficult first season with the Anfield club, proved the difference on Friday night, scoring two quick goals to settle Liverpool’s nerves and set the Reds on course for a routine victory.
The opener came after six minutes when Isak converted from a parried shot following Cody Gakpo’s assist.
The Dutchman provided the assist for the second goal three minutes later, finding Isak on the left flank. The former Newcastle United hitman then fired a low strike into the bottom corner to make it 2-0.
The brace took Isak’s tally to three goals this season, equalling his total from last season after just three matches.
The highlight of the second half was a Liverpool penalty appeal that was overturned following a VAR review due to an offside in the build-up.
Ipswich’s late attempts to find a breakthrough also came to nothing in the final third as the Reds extended their unbeaten run at Portman Road to seven matches.
Liverpool collected maximum points and kept their first clean sheet of the season, while it was coach Andoni Iraola’s first since taking over in the summer.
The victory lifted Liverpool to fifth on the EPL table with five points from three matches.