EPL: Isak shines as Liverpool beats Ipswich 2-0

Liverpool's Swedish striker Alexander Isak celebrated scoring the second goal during the English Premier League match against Ipswich Town at Portman Road in Ipswich, eastern England on September 4, 2026. (Photo by Henry Nicholls / AFP)

Isak scored two quick goals in the first 10 minutes, helping Liverpool secure a 2-0 win at Ipswich. This marked a first victory for their new manager, Andoni Iraola, on Friday.

Isak's transfer record of £125 million from Newcastle was matched this week by Manchester City’s signing of Enzo Fernandez. After a year, the Swedish striker is finally showing why he was worth that huge amount.

Ipswich struggled after a poor start, and Liverpool comfortably took the win at Portman Road. Bradley Barcola, who joined for £100 million, made his debut as a substitute in the second half.

This win puts Liverpool in fifth place in the table, keeping Iraola's unbeaten start intact. The team had two exciting 2-2 draws against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest before this match, but there were still concerns about their chances at the top of the table this season.

Barcola's arrival adds more talent to Liverpool’s already expensive forward line. However, this investment also raised questions about whether other areas of the team were neglected.

Last season, Liverpool spent a lot on Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike, but it didn’t pay off. They finished fifth, leading to Arne Slot losing his job just a year after winning the league.

After a tough first season at Anfield due to injuries, Isak is now showing his worth. He has three goals in three matches this season, although Ipswich goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen helped him with some of those.

Cody Gakpo could have moved to Manchester City this week. But since City couldn't find a replacement, he stayed and played a key role in this win, assisting both of Isak’s goals.

Gakpo passed to Isak at the edge of the box. Isak’s powerful shot should have been saved better by Scherpen, but it went in. Moments later, Isak ran onto another Gakpo pass and scored at the near post, leaving Scherpen out of position.

Isak scored a hat-trick at Portman Road for Newcastle two seasons ago and almost got his first hat-trick for Liverpool. He scored from Florian Wirtz’s cross but was just offside.

Scherpen made two good saves from Dominik Szoboszlai to keep the score low before halftime. Barcola made his Premier League debut just after the hour mark, replacing Isak.

In the second half, Liverpool's attack was not as strong. But Iraola will be happy with the clean sheet after his team's defense faced criticism in the first weeks of the season.

Ipswich started well in their return to the top flight with a win against Sunderland two weeks ago. But they have since faced tough matches, losing 5-2 to Manchester United and now this loss to Liverpool.