Isak nets twice in opening nine minutes, both from Gakpo assists
Iraola earns first win as Liverpool boss
Barcola comes on as substitute for debut after £123m deal
FT: Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool
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Isak's early double gives Liverpool victory over Ipswich
Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool
Ipswich Town manager Gary O'Neil speaking to Sky Sports: "Proud of the group. I thought we were excellent. Two mistakes in the first 10 minutes made it very difficult, but I think we were probably the better side for large parts after that. More shots and some really good chances.
"Obviously, the mistakes were big; we were punished heavily by world-class players, but then an excellent response and we gave it our best, which the fans appreciated, as you could see from their reaction at the end, but we are here for points, so next week we have to make sure we take some.
"There were no issues out there for us tactically. Similar to Manchester United, but at Manchester United we lost our way and moved away from the game plan, but today the lads were able to get straight back down to business.
"Second half especially, I thought we were excellent with the ball and cut through them many times. We didn't quite find that moment of quality to get us back in it, but of course this is one of the most extreme tests, and we came up a little short in terms of points. But in terms of what I asked for the players, I thought they were very very good."
FT: Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool
Ipswich actually had 14 shots to Liverpool's 10 today. They had a good go of it but the quality was lacking.
Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola speaking to Sky Sports about Bradley Barcola: "I think he had good minutes. I think he has a very good pass.
"In a counter, a couple of times we didn't find him, so we will have to learn these kinds of movements because he will be in behind, threatening all the time.
"He hasn't played any competitive minutes since the World Cup, so we have to be a little bit more careful, but I think he has been very good."
FT: Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool
You can watch the highlights here right now.
Isak's early double gives Liverpool victory over Ipswich
FT: Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool
Cody Gakpo has been directly involved in four goals in the Premier League this season (one goal, three assists).
This century, only Mohamed Salah in 2024-25 has had more goal involvements through Liverpool’s opening three games of a league campaign (six – three goals, three assists).
FT: Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola speaking to Sky Sports: "It's nice, definitely [to get the first win]. We needed that one with the way it has been. We got a clean sheet. Controlling the game quite well, I think that we started the game really strong, and then it was another kind of second half. Probably wasn't as good as the first one."
On Alexander Isak: "He's a massive player for us. My demands will probably not be about the goals; I know he is fit and in good shape. He's going to produce the numbers. My fight with him will be more about other stuff, how to help the team in other situations - but it is good he has already played two full games, scoring the goals, so I am very happy to have him."
He added: "Today I thought we were much better in our press in the first half, so we were covering very high, and then we could make contact with him [Isak] in good positions. If we recover the ball lower, it will be harder to find him, so it's all about community effort to get our number nine in situations that he was in today."
On Jeremy Jacquet: "I think for every centre back to play next to Virgil is a masterclass, a lesson. In this case Jeremy has had his first full game; his first two games he couldn't finish them. He was tired. Today there was a moment in the second half I was in doubt, but I think he has to suffer, you know? Go through those periods so he can finish the game well, and slowly he can build his fitness levels."
On his chosen midfield today: "I think Mac Allister is a smart player. He understands very well the positioning. He played very well today. I was a little bit worried with the yellow card; he was playing well, and I thought maybe I change him, but I also think that how we finished with Trey [Nyoni] and Gravenberch, they did well. I think we have good options. It depends on the opposition; it depends on the legs."
FT: Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool
Since the start of the 2024-25 season, Alexander Isak’s five Premier League goals at Portman Road are the joint-most by any player at an away venue, along with Erling Haaland at Selhurst Park.
FT: Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool
Both of Alexander Isak’s goals were assisted by Cody Gakpo – with just nine minutes on the clock, it was the earliest that a player had assisted two goals for the same player in a Premier League match since April 1998 - Leicester’s Steve Guppy for Emile Heskey against Derby.
FT: Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool
This century, only three players have scored more Premier League goals at Portman Road than Alexander Isak (five goals in two games), and that's including players for Ipswich Town.
FT: Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool
Liverpool defender Ronald Araujo on his first Premier League start, with his match ranking:
FT: Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool
Alexander Isak's brace – scored after just nine minutes – was the earliest a Liverpool player had scored twice in a Premier League game since Maxi Rodríguez in May 2011 v Fulham (seventh minute).
FT: Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool
Ipswich are on their longest ever top-flight run without a clean sheet (22 matches). Meanwhile, manager Gary O’Neil has only seen his side keep one clean sheet across his last 31 Premier League games (Wolves 2-0 Southampton in November 2024).
FT: Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool
Liverpool striker Alexander Isak speaking to Sky Sports: "We were waiting for the first win. We talked about starting the game good, which we haven't done recently, so it was perfect for us to get two good quick goals."
On the result today: "With a normal pre-season, I think we are starting to get to the way we want to play. To be offensive and attack the defence. I think we did that today. We scored two, and we could of scored more."
Reflecting on last year: "It was not easy. It was obviously a long injury and a difficult season in general. I was thinking to have a good World Cup, and then to start off the season well, which I think I have done now. It's kind of behind me, but it wasn't easy."
You can read Phil McNulty's player ratings here - and rank the players yourself, too.
Image source, Getty ImagesDrama elsewhere tonight...
Republic of Ireland striker Troy Parrott came off the bench to score the winner as Real Betis beat Real Madrid 1-0 - with Kylian Mbappe missing an injury-time penalty.
The Dubliner came on in the 68th minute and pounced to score from close range after Thibaut Courtois parried Nelson Deossa's header.
This was his third appearance and his first goal for Manuel Pellegrini's Betis since his £17.1m move from AZ Alkmaar.
Carlos Espi thought he had rescued a point for Real Madrid with an acrobatic volley from Vinicius Jr's cross but it was ruled out for offside by the video assistant referee.
And even later than that, Madrid were awarded a penalty for a foul on Vinicius but Mbappe's injury-time kick was saved by Alvaro Valles.
The result ended Jose Mourinho's three-game winning start to his second spell as Real Madrid manager.
FT: Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool
Six of Liverpool’s seven shots on target in this match came in the first half, which was more than they had in the opening half of any Premier League game in 2025-26.
FT: Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk said: "I think we were a little bit more direct in the beginning, which is what we wanted to put the danger in their half and create a bit of chaos. Great goals. Cody was outstanding. Great win, and on to the next."
On Gakpo staying at Liverpool: "Massive. I said it before the transfer window had closed, he's important for us, and he will be important this season. He showed it today again; he showed it last week as well, and over the last couple of years. [He needs to] just keep going."
FT: Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool
Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo speaking to Sky Sports: "I think it was a great game today. Obviously some things we have to improve still but a much-needed win for us, and I'm really glad that we got the three points."
On growing partnership with Alexander Isak: "Yeah, we will see. We always train together, and always try to get to know each other better. Hopefully we can assist each other many times. He owes me a few assists now!"
FT: Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool
With just nine minutes played, this was Liverpool’s earliest 2-0 lead in a Premier League away match since July 2020 against Brighton.
Isak's early double gives Liverpool victory over Ipswich
Liverpool made light work of newly promoted Ipswich Town as Alexander Isak scored his first double for the club at Portman Road to secure their first Premier League win this season.
The Sweden striker produced his most devastating performance since joining from Newcastle United for a British record £125m transfer fee 12 months ago, securing victory for his side by firing past Kjell Scherpen twice inside the opening nine minutes.
The win in Suffolk was also the first of Andoni Iraola's tenure, ensuring he avoided becoming the club's first manager since Brendan Rodgers to fail to win any of his opening three Premier League games.
The result means Ipswich drop to 13th in the table, while the visitors climb to fifth before the other Premier League fixtures this weekend.
Liverpool took the lead inside six minutes when Isak arrowed a strike past Scherpen at his near post after an incisive pass from Cody Gakpo.
It was the first time they had taken the lead in a Premier League match this season, having fallen behind against Nottingham Forest and Newcastle.
It was more of the same three minutes later as Gakpo and Isak combined once again to double Liverpool's advantage.
It was the third time this season that the Dutchman, who came close to joining Manchester City during the transfer window, had assisted Isak in the Premier League.
The hosts could have halved the deficit on the half-hour mark had it not been for a timely last-ditch intervention from Ronald Araujo on his full debut to deny Daizen Maeda at the back post.
Isak was denied a hat-trick when the assistant referee raised his flag after he converted Florian Wirtz's low cross shortly before half-time.
In the second half, the home side did probe the Liverpool defence but, even after finishing the transfer window with one of the highest net spends in the Premier League and several new additions, were unable to provide a cutting edge.
Liverpool supporters had more reason to celebrate in the final 25 minutes as they were given a first glimpse of new signing Bradley Barcola, who joined from Paris St-Germain in a deal worth £123m on Monday.
'I thought we were excellent' - O'Neil on Ipswich defeat by Liverpool
Gary O'Neil was fully aware of the difficulty of the task at hand before kick-off as he reeled off Liverpool's array of attacking talent.
The Ipswich manager will be disappointed with how easily his side conceded the opening goal, with Scherpen beaten too easily at his near post.
But there were plenty of positives for O'Neil to take from his side's performance against top Premier League opposition for the second weekend running.
There were encouraging flashes from Ipswich's attackers, particularly Julio Enciso and Jack Clarke after he came off the bench in the second half.
But it was not enough for Ipswich to earn their first Premier League victory in 28 matches when trailing by two goals or more at half-time.
It goes without saying that their Premier League fate will not be decided by defeats against Manchester United and Liverpool in the space of five days.
O'Neil's side have plenty of fight and quality, and look well-equipped for the survival battle this time around.
First win as Liverpool boss 'feels good' - Iraola
It was a night that was supposed to belong to Liverpool's latest blockbuster signing Barcola, but Isak had other ideas.
The Swede has endured a difficult, injury-hit first 12 months at Anfield, but he used the familiar surroundings of Portman Road to fully launch his Liverpool career.
The last time he made the trip to Suffolk to face the Tractor Boys, he left with the match ball after scoring a hat-trick in Newcastle United's thumping 4-0 victory in December 2024.
That came during a season in which the forward scored 27 goals, earned a place in the PFA team of the year and helped the Magpies win silverware.
That is something Iraola will hope the striker can replicate this term after finally appearing to find his feet in a Liverpool shirt.
If he is to do that, it seems Gakpo will be the perfect dance partner. The Dutchman showed no sign of a hangover from his failed move to Etihad Stadium as he continued his impressive start to the campaign with two assists for the former Newcastle United forward.
The prospect of a fully fit and firing Isak leading the line, flanked by Gakpo and fellow £100m-plus signings Florian Wirtz and Barcola, will no doubt excite Iraola after he secured his first win as Liverpool manager.
Liverpool, however, do have issues at the other end of the pitch and, although they kept their first clean sheet of the season, the Spaniard will not be satisfied with everything he saw.
But the sight of Isak wheeling away in celebration may just be enough to take his mind off those concerns, even if only for one night.
Alexander Isak has scored three goals in as many Premier League games for Liverpool this season
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions by BBC Sport users.
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 6 |
| |
| 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 6 |
| |
| 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 6 |
| |
| 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 6 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 5 |
| |
| 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 4 |
| |
| 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| |
| 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 4 |
| |
| 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| |
| 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| |
| 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 3 |
| |
| 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 8 | -4 | 3 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 1 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 1 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 0 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 4 | -4 | 0 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 6 | -5 | 0 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 5 | -5 | 0 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 5 | -5 | 0 |
|
Manager:Gary O'Neil
Formation:4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Manager:Andoni Iraola
Formation:4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Manager:Gary O'Neil
Formation:4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Manager:Andoni Iraola
Formation:4 - 2 - 3 - 1
High chance of scoring
Medium chance of scoring
Low chance of scoring
Dominant period
Match momentum measures the swing of the match by comparing each team’s threat to see who is more likely to score within that minute. The momentum value is the difference between each team’s most dangerous moment, or team threat, in that minute.
Match momentum measures the swing of the match by comparing each team’s threat to see who is more likely to score within that minute. The momentum value is the difference between each team’s most dangerous moment, or team threat, in that minute.
| Minute | Team with most threat |
|---|---|
Kick off 1' | Liverpool |
2' | Liverpool |
3' | Liverpool |
4' | Liverpool |
5' | Liverpool |
6' | LiverpoolGoal |
7' | Liverpool |
8' | Liverpool |
9' | LiverpoolGoal |
10' | Liverpool |
11' | Liverpool |
12' | Ipswich Town |
13' | Ipswich Town |
14' | Ipswich Town |
15' | Ipswich Town |
16' | Ipswich Town |
17' | Ipswich Town |
18' | Liverpool |
19' | Ipswich Town |
20' | Ipswich Town |
21' | Liverpool |
22' | Liverpool |
23' | Liverpool |
24' | Liverpool |
25' | Liverpool |
26' | Ipswich Town |
27' | Ipswich Town |
28' | Liverpool |
29' | Liverpool |
30' | Ipswich Town |
31' | Ipswich Town |
32' | Ipswich Town |
33' | Liverpool |
34' | Liverpool |
35' | Liverpool |
36' | Liverpool |
37' | Liverpool |
38' | Ipswich Town |
39' | Liverpool |
40' | Liverpool |
41' | Liverpool |
42' | Ipswich Town |
43' | Ipswich Town |
44' | Ipswich Town |
45' | Ipswich Town |
45'+1 | Ipswich Town |
45'+2 | Ipswich Town |
Half time 45'+3 | Ipswich Town |
46' | Liverpool |
47' | Liverpool |
48' | Liverpool |
49' | Liverpool |
50' | Liverpool |
51' | Liverpool |
52' | Liverpool |
53' | Liverpool |
54' | Ipswich Town |
55' | Ipswich Town |
56' | Liverpool |
57' | Liverpool |
58' | Liverpool |
59' | Liverpool |
60' | Liverpool |
61' | Liverpool |
62' | Liverpool |
63' | Ipswich Town |
64' | Ipswich Town |
65' | Ipswich Town |
66' | Ipswich Town |
67' | Ipswich Town |
68' | Liverpool |
69' | Liverpool |
70' | Liverpool |
71' | Ipswich Town |
72' | Ipswich Town |
73' | Ipswich Town |
74' | Ipswich Town |
75' | Ipswich Town |
76' | Ipswich Town |
77' | Liverpool |
78' | Ipswich Town |
79' | Ipswich Town |
80' | Ipswich Town |
81' | Ipswich Town |
82' | Ipswich Town |
83' | Ipswich Town |
84' | Ipswich Town |
85' | Ipswich Town |
86' | Ipswich Town |
87' | Ipswich Town |
88' | Ipswich Town |
89' | Ipswich Town |
90' | Ipswich Town |
90'+1 | Ipswich Town |
90'+2 | Ipswich Town |
90'+3 | Ipswich Town |
90'+4 | Ipswich Town |
90'+5 | Ipswich Town |
Full time 90'+6 | Ipswich Town |
Premier League
All competitions
All competitions
Ipswich Town have lost their last four Premier League games against Liverpool across the 2001-02 and 2024-25 seasons, conceding 17 goals and scoring just once.
Liverpool are unbeaten in all six away Premier League matches against Ipswich Town at Portman Road (W4 D2). It’s the most games they’ve played at one stadium without losing in the competition.
Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 20 Premier League matches against newly promoted sides (W15 D5) but the last side to beat them were a Bournemouth side managed by current Ipswich boss Gary O’Neil in March 2023.
Ipswich are unbeaten in their last 18 home league games, 17 in the Championship last season and a 2-1 win against Sunderland this term. They’ve not won consecutive Premier League home games since a run of four in December 2001/January 2002.
Liverpool are winless in their last six Premier League games (D4 L2). Only once before have they gone 7+ matches without winning in the competition, a run of 11 from November 2002 to January 2003 under Gérard Houllier.
Ipswich Town have kept one clean sheet in their last 36 Premier League games and none in their last 21 since a 2-0 win over Chelsea in December 2024. Meanwhile, manager Gary O’Neil has two clean sheets in his last 35 Premier League games, both against sides who finished 20th that season – Sheffield United in February 2024 and Southampton in November 2024 with Wolves.
Liverpool have drawn 2-2 in their first two Premier League matches in 2026-27 – the Reds have only conceded 2+ goals in their first three games once before in the competition, doing so in 2012-13 in Brendan Rodgers’ first three games in charge.
Across their opening two Premier League games, Abdul Fatawu has created more chances (5), played more passes into the box (9) and won more duels (14) than any other Ipswich player, while only Julio Enciso (178) has applied more pressures than the Ghanaian (120).
Although he has only created two chances in two Premier League games this season, Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz has made 11 passes that have broken the defensive line, with only Bruno Fernandes making more (13).
Liverpool striker Alexander Isak has four goals in just two Premier League appearances against Ipswich Town, all for Newcastle in 2024-25. Three of those were as a hat-trick at Portman Road, making him the joint-second top scorer there that season, behind only Liam Delap (6).
