Liverpool celebrated their first Premier League victory of the season, marking a significant win for coach Andoni Iraola. They triumphed with two quick goals from Alexander Isak within the opening 10 minutes against Ipswich at Portman Road. Previously, Iraola’s team had drawn their first two matches 2-2, against Newcastle away and Nottingham Forest at home. The recent match clearly showed they were determined to win.
Alexander Isak Shows Promise at Liverpool
Alexander Isak’s journey at Liverpool has been challenging since joining last September from Newcastle. The transfer bore extra pressure due to the heavy price tag of £125 million and he faced personal setbacks, like Diogo Jota’s tragic death during the pre-season. Lingering injuries, including a broken foot, further affected his performance, limiting him to three Premier League goals previously.
However, the recent game showcased Isak’s potential as he scored twice within the first nine minutes, matching his prior season’s goal tally in just over two games into this season. His first goal, a powerful strike at the near post, came from a perfect run connecting with Cody Gakpo’s pass. A similarity to his past goal against Liverpool for Newcastle was noted although this time he beat goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen at his near post.
The second goal saw Isak adeptly navigate his run, capitalizing on Gakpo’s clever trivela pass, remaining composed amidst defensive pressure to score with his left foot. His coordination with teammates Gakpo and Florian Wirtz created dynamic plays, fostering a strong presence on the field. Even an offside goal during the first half demonstrated his capability in exploiting defensive gaps.
This performance suggests that Isak is aligning well with Iraola’s playstyle, a promising sign as refined finishing becomes vital in the early phase of Iraola’s leadership.
Gakpo’s Stance at Liverpool Vindicated
Recently, Cody Gakpo faced uncertainty regarding his future at Liverpool with a potential move to Manchester City looming as an upgrade for French player Bradley Barcola was expected. Concerns arose that Gakpo might depart the club, missing the opportunity to exhibit his skills in the match against Ipswich.
Nevertheless, the decision to retain him proved wise when he delivered an outstanding performance, providing two assists and highlighting his value. Gakpo’s skillful passes set up Isak’s goals beautifully in the win, displaying both creativity and determination.
Gakpo showed defensive prowess by tracking opponents effectively. His physical strength helped him maintain possession despite aggressive challenges and earned pivotal fouls. A moment with Ipswich players revealed his tenacity when he held his ground, retaining control with composure.
Jamie Carragher, a former Liverpool player and Sky Sports pundit, recognized Gakpo’s impressive form, noting Barcola might struggle to secure playing time at Liverpool. With four goal involvements this season, Gakpo’s performance reinforced his integral role in the team amid transfer speculations.
Considering Araujo as a Right-back Solution
Liverpool’s full-back area required attention with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s move to Real Madrid and Andy Robertson’s declining performance. Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez faced scrutiny previously over issues in duels and their final-third passing.
In the recent match, Iraola kept Kerkez in the lineup but replaced Frimpong with Ronald Araujo, on loan from Barcelona. Araujo delivered a reliable performance despite minor setbacks during his debut. While not contributing significantly to the attack, his solid defensive stance prevented Ipswich from exploiting his flank.
Though Araujo had moments of uncertainty, like a faulty clearance, his defensive actions were pivotal, helping establish a back three formation. This setup facilitated Kerkez on the left and allowed Gakpo and Isak to complement each other effectively. Overall, Araujo’s debut suggests he could play a crucial part against Atletico Madrid in the upcoming Champions League match.
Iraola’s Post-Match Thoughts
Speaking to Sky Sports, Iraola expressed satisfaction following Liverpool’s win after starting the season with two consecutive draws: “It’s nice. We needed this one. Also the way it was with a clean sheet and controlling the game quite well. We started really strong, and then it was another kind of second half; not as good as the first one but we did not concede many chances.”
Iraola praised Isak, who has netted three goals in three games this season: “He’s a massive player for us. My demands will not be about the goals — he is fit and in good shape, so he is probably going to get those. My fights with him are about other stuff: how to help the team, what to do in some situations. But it’s good that he has already played two full games (though he was substituted after 64 minutes tonight) and got a very good amount of minutes and scored goals.” Iraola noted the improvement in their press, emphasizing teamwork to position Isak effectively on the field.
Upcoming Matches for Liverpool
Next, Liverpool will host Atletico Madrid at home in their Champions League opener on Wednesday, September 9, at 8pm BST, 3pm ET.