Isak Steals the Show as Barcola Makes Explosive Debut in Liverpool's Clash Against Ipswich Town

Liverpool finally broke their Premier League duck this season on Friday along England's southeast coast, securing a 2–0 win over Ipswich Town in what was their third attempt at a top-flight victory under Andoni Iraola.

Hot on the heels of his goal against Nottingham Forest the previous weekend, Alexander Isak netted twice in rapid succession within the first 10 minutes, handing the Reds a commanding early lead.

Both goals came through a combination with Cody Gakpo, who first threaded a precise ball that Isak dispatched with a ferocious near-post finish. Ipswich goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen got a hand to it and may feel he could have done more, but the sheer power of the strike carried it into the net.

The second arrived via another perfectly weighted Gakpo delivery, this time pulling Isak toward the left side of the Ipswich penalty area. He shifted inside before cutting back out to bamboozle defender Jacob Greaves, then spotted the opening past Scherpen to double Liverpool's lead.

Isak was denied a first-half hat-trick by the offside flag, having drifted just beyond the last Ipswich defender when Florian Wirtz played the decisive pass.

Liverpool began the second half in a more measured fashion, firmly in command, while Ipswich struggled to conjure any meaningful attacking threat. The excitement of the opening 45 minutes quickly faded.

The Reds appealed for a penalty midway through the second half when Dominik Szoboszlai was grabbed and brought down by Leif Davis inside the box. The referee waved play on, but when VAR stepped in to examine the incident, Szoboszlai was found to have been offside in the build-up.

Ipswich came close to reducing the deficit late on when substitute Jack Clarke's effort deflected off teammate Issa Diop and narrowly missed the target.

One Thing We Can't Ignore

Judging last season in isolation, Alexander Isak could be considered one of the most disappointing Premier League acquisitions in recent memory—a record-breaking transfer fee, underwhelming returns, and a lengthy spell on the treatment table. Yet the Swede had been genuinely outstanding in a Newcastle United shirt prior to that and appears to be rediscovering that form now. It's a far cry from 12 months ago, when he had pushed for an exit from Newcastle by going on strike during preseason. Isak looks razor-sharp and intensely motivated.

For his second goal of the evening, Isak made an initial run that went unnoticed. He briefly showed his frustration, but quickly composed himself and made the run again. On the second attempt, Gakpo picked it up and, in an instant, the ball was nestled in the Ipswich net.

This is a player in exceptional form, holding those around him to the highest standards. He's operating at full throttle and elevating the performance of his teammates in the process. His partnership with Gakpo in particular continues to flourish.

Much of the conversation around replacing Mohamed Salah's output has centered on the wide players, and for what it's worth, Bradley Barcola made his debut as a substitute here. But perhaps a direct replacement isn't the answer and a tactical shift is needed instead. Isak is making a compelling case for being that catalyst.

Liverpool haven't had a striker reach 30 league goals in a season since Luis Suárez over a decade ago. When it comes to a more traditional center-forward, you have to go back even further—to Fernando Torres, Robbie Fowler, and as far back as Ian Rush's prolific 1980s run.

Isak already has three goals to his name in 2026–27 after just three Premier League outings, with the Champions League, Carabao Cup, and FA Cup still to come for Liverpool.

Liverpool Player Ratings vs. Ipswich (4-2-3-1)

*Ratings provided by FotMob*

GK: Alisson—8.2: Finished with five saves in total without ever being seriously tested.

RB: Ronald Araújo—7.7: Made his first start as a Liverpool player, and this role could become his own. Dominant in physical duels, especially in the air, and Jeremie Frimpong has reason to be concerned. 

CB: Jérémy Jacquet—7.4: Not as assured as he has been in earlier appearances this season. Picked up a yellow card for a rash challenge shortly after half-time.

CB: Virgil van Dijk—7.7: Appeared more settled than in recent outings, suggesting there is still plenty left in the tank.

LB: Milos Kerkez—6.7: His tenacious defending contributed directly to Liverpool's opening goal. A significant moment given the scrutiny he has faced over the past year.

CM: Dominik Szoboszlai—7.6: With Ipswich posing little open-play danger, he had the freedom to roam. That luxury won't always be available, so questions remain. Registered three shots, all on target, and created two chances.

CM: Alexis Mac Allister—7.5: Not as composed in possession as Liverpool would have liked, completing only 85% of his passes. Solid defensively.

RM: Víctor Muñoz—6.8: The third different right-wing starter of the season as Iraola searches for his best attacking combination. Showed his pace but must develop his creative output.

AM: Florian Wirtz—7.2: Gakpo grabbed the headlines with his assists, but the German midfielder covered more ground than anyone else on the pitch and deserves recognition for that contribution alone.

LM: Cody Gakpo—8.9: Survived the summer window despite many supporters being willing to let him go, and is now thriving and silencing his doubters.

ST: Alexander Isak—8.8: Two goals inside the opening 10 minutes and a third ruled out for a tight offside call in the first half. Taken off in the 64th minute having done his job.

SUB: Ryan Gravenberch (64' for Isak)—6.3: Neat in midfield to help Liverpool maintain their grip on the game.

SUB: Bradley Barcola (64' for Muñoz)—6.0: Given his long-awaited debut, but managed only 12 touches throughout.

SUB: Trey Nyoni (84' for Mac Allister)—N/A 

SUB: Lewis Koumas (90+1' for Wirtz)—N/A 

Subs not used: Giorgi Mamardashvili (GK), Jeremie Frimpong, Kostas Tsimikas, Wataru Endo, Rio Ngumoha.

What the Ratings Tell Us

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