Liverpool secured their first victory under new manager Andoni Iraola with a 2-0 win at Ipswich on Friday, thanks to a pair of early goals from striker Alexander Isak. The result lifts Liverpool to fifth place in the Premier League standings and extends Iraola’s unbeaten start with the club.

Isak, who joined Liverpool from Newcastle last year in a Premier League record £125 million transfer, opened the scoring twice within the opening 10 minutes at Portman Road. His first goal resulted from a powerful shot that Ipswich goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen was unable to fully control, allowing the ball to cross the line. Shortly after, Isak capitalized on a through ball from teammate Cody Gakpo to score his second goal, catching the goalkeeper off balance.

The Swedish forward’s strong start to the season, with three goals in as many games, marks a significant improvement after a challenging first year at Liverpool marred by fitness issues. Iraola praised Isak’s form and physical condition while noting the forward’s ongoing efforts to adapt to the team’s overall tactical approach. “He’s a massive player for us,” Iraola commented, highlighting Isak’s importance to the squad.

Liverpool’s attacking options were further bolstered with the Premier League’s latest £100 million signing, Bradley Barcola, who made his debut as a second-half substitute. Barcola’s arrival adds to an already expensive forward lineup that includes Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike. Despite the heavy investment in attacking talent, Liverpool finished fifth last season in what was considered a disappointing campaign, leading to the departure of former manager Arne Slot.

The match also saw contributions from Gakpo, who played a key role in both goals with assists. The Dutch winger had recently been linked with a move to Manchester City, but no replacement was found by Liverpool, allowing him to remain and influence the team’s early-season performance.

Ipswich struggled to gain footing after the early setbacks, though goalkeeper Scherpen made a pair of notable saves from Dominik Szoboszlai in the first half to limit the scoreline. Isak narrowly missed a hat trick when a goal-bound effort was ruled offside after a cross from Wirtz.

Liverpool’s victory at Portman Road followed two opening draws against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, results that had raised questions about the team’s ability to contend at the top of the table this season. With their latest win, Liverpool appear to be building momentum as Iraola seeks to guide the club back into title contention.