Alexander Isak scored twice to give Liverpool a 2-0 Premier League victory over Ipswich Town at Portman Road. The result, reported by BBC Sport Football, lifts Liverpool to fifth in the table and leaves Ipswich 12th with three points from their opening three matches.
Gary O'Neil's side, who spent nearly £200 million in the transfer window, struggled to contain a Liverpool attack that registered six shots on target. That was their highest such total in the Premier League since April 2025. Cody Gakpo provided both assists for Isak, who joined Liverpool in September 2025. The Swedish striker's performance earned him a player rating of 9 out of 10 in the post-match analysis.
How did the Ipswich defence perform?
Ipswich goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen had a difficult afternoon, receiving the lowest individual rating of the match at 4 out of 10. The defensive unit in front of him also faced sustained pressure. Centre-back Dara O'Shea was rated 5, while his partner Issa Diop fared slightly better with a 6. Full-backs Jacob Greaves and Leif Davis were given ratings of 5 and 6 respectively.
Liverpool's defensive record this season has been solid. They have now conceded only two goals in their opening three fixtures, a feat they had achieved just once before in the 2012/13 campaign. This comes after they let in four goals across their first two matches of the season. You can see how this result affects the broader picture by checking the latest standings.
Who stood out for Liverpool?
Andoni Iraola's tactical setup worked effectively, earning the Liverpool manager an 8 out of 10 rating. His team's defensive foundation was strong, with Alisson Becker and Virgil van Dijk both receiving 7s. The midfield trio of Dominik Szoboszlai, Víctor Muñoz, and Alexis Mac Allister all earned 7 out of 10 ratings for their control of the game.
The star was undoubtedly Alexander Isak. His clinical finishing decided the contest. Cody Gakpo, with his two assists, was not far behind with an 8. ESPN Soccer's report noted that "the combination of Isak and Gakpo suddenly looks a game-changer for the club's new Spanish boss."
What is Ipswich's current situation?
The defeat leaves Ipswich Town 12th in the Premier League with three points from one win and two losses. Their goal difference stands at minus two, having scored four and conceded six so far this season. They are three points behind the early leaders, Manchester City, in the title race.
Gary O'Neil made four substitutions during the match in an attempt to change the game's momentum. Jack Clarke and Zian Flemming came on in the 66th minute, followed by Abdoul Outarra and Kasey McAteer later in the second half. For a full look at the players available to O'Neil, visit the club's squad page.
What's next for Ipswich Town?
Attention now turns to the next fixture. Ipswich Town travel to face Crystal Palace on September 12. Palace currently sit 18th in the table, making it a significant opportunity for O'Neil's team to get back to winning ways. You can view the full schedule of upcoming matches on the fixtures page. Julio Enciso was Ipswich's highest-rated player on the day with a 7, offering a positive note from an otherwise tough afternoon at Portman Road.
