Match report: Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool as Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak star in Andoni Iraola's first win

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Liverpool got off to a blistering start at Portman Road, thanks to their £125 man Alexander Isak, whose emphatic finish at the near post of Kjell Scherpen put the Reds 1-0 up.Just three minutes later, the Swede showcased some magnificent footwork to take the ball around the goalkeeper and fire it into an empty net to double Liverpool’s lead inside ten minutes.It was a performance that showed why he was worth the £125 million price tag, with three goals in his last two games, as Isak looks to continue his goalscoring form.Isak was serenaded throughout the match and shared a special moment with the travelling Liverpool fans after the full-time whistle.Just days ago, Cody Gakpo looked set to complete an £85 million move to Manchester City, but Liverpool ultimately decided against the move after failing to acquire his replacement.That decision is already looking like a masterstroke, as Gakpo assisted both of Isak’s goals against Ipswich, including a fantastic trivela pass from inside his own half.Cody Gakpo has more assists (3) than any other player in the Premier League this season. 🅰️ pic.twitter.com/5QfibSfztz— WhoScored (@WhoScored) September 4, 2026Gakpo now has one goal and three assists this season for Liverpool, and the Dutchman showcased his versatility once more, filling in at striker after Isak was substituted in the second half.Following Mohamed Salah’s departure, the Netherlands international is now Liverpool's most experienced forward, and he has already embraced that responsibility, much to Iraola’s joy.A first win and a clean sheet will certainly please Andoni Iraola, and it will also inspire confidence among Liverpool’s backline, who did not make it easy for themselves.Ipswich were still able to exploit spaces on either flanks but were unable to find the back of the net.Iraola made just one change in leaving out Jeremie Frimpong for Ronald Araujo, who made his first start for Liverpool. It was a fine performance from the Uruguayan, who was signed from Barcelona for his ability to play at both centre back and right back, as he provided the aerial dominance that has been lacking from the Reds’ backline.There were cheers among the travelling Kop in the 64th minute, as they saw new signing Bradley Barcola on the touchline, ready to make his Liverpool debut.Signed for £123 million from PSG, the left winger showcased his blistering pace and will consider himself unlucky not to have an assist to his name, but for some confusion between Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai.A special moment for Barcola 🥰 pic.twitter.com/u9xhKresje— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 4, 2026Barcola will have to contend with Cody Gakpo and Rio Ngumoha for the left wing spot at Anfield, and it remains to be seen whether he starts at Anfield against Atletico Madrid next week.Despite a first clean sheet for the Reds, Jeremy Jacquet endured a shaky performance as the hosts were able to exploit the centre back’s inexperience.Jacquet was booked early into the second half and was perhaps fortunate to avoid seeing red, following another careless challenge just minutes later.The Frenchman, who was signed from Rennes for a £60 million fee, was clearly signed for his potential but will have to adapt quickly if he is to keep his place in Iraola’s side.However, with Trey Leoni still on his way back to full fitness and Joe Gomez’s spotty injury record, Jacquet has a rare opportunity to cement his place alongside Virgil van Dijk.As the dust settles on Portman Road, this 2-0 victory feels like a watershed moment for Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool.

They found it courtesy of a blistering first-half masterclass that put the contest to bed before most spectators had even settled into their seats.For all the external noise surrounding the transfer window and Cody Gakpo’s aborted deadline-day move to Manchester City, the Dutchman answered his critics in the best possible way. His telepathic understanding with Alexander Isak tore Ipswich Town apart, proving that the newly formed partnership is rapidly evolving into Liverpool's most potent weapon.

With Isak ruthless in front of goal and Gakpo pulling the strings from the flank.Ultimately, this professional performance offers a glimpse into what the post-window era under Iraola can truly achieve. As the squad now pivots toward upcoming fixtures and European ambitions, this clean, commanding win on Suffolk soil serves as the true launchpad for Liverpool's season.Add us as a preferred source on GoogleFollow