Alexander Isak struck twice in the opening 10 minutes as Liverpool delivered a first win for new manager Andoni Iraola with a 2-0 victory at Ipswich on Friday. Isak’s Premier League record £125 million ($169 million) move from Newcastle was matched this week by Manchester City’s signing of Enzo Fernandez, but 12 months on the Swede is finally beginning to deliver on his price tag. Ipswich never recovered from a disastrous start as Liverpool cruised to victory at Portman Road with their latest £100 million signing Bradley Barcola making his debut as a second-half substitute.
But after a miserable first season at Anfield dogged by fitness problems, Isak is showing signs of why he was so sought after at Newcastle with three goals in three games in the new campaign, albeit aided by Ipswich goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen. Instead the Dutchman played a major role in kickstarting their season with assists for both Isak goals. Isak scored a hat-trick at Portman Road for Newcastle two seasons ago and nearly had a first treble in Liverpool colours to celebrate. Scherpen made some amends with two smart saves from Dominik Szoboszlai to keep the score down before half-time. Liverpool did not possess the same attacking force in the second half but Iraola will be delighted with a clean sheet after much criticism of his side’s defending in the opening weeks of the season.
