Andoni Iraola began his tenure as Liverpool head coach with a composed 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Friday evening, with Alexander Isak scoring twice in the opening nine minutes to settle the contest early.

Isak was ruthless from the off, exploiting shaky goalkeeping by Ipswich goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen on both occasions. His opener arrived in the 6th minute, when a precise pass from Cody Gakpo put him through and he drove a powerful shot that slipped through Scherpen's palms. Three minutes later, Scherpen came off his line recklessly to chase a long ball, left himself exposed, and Isak punished him with a composed low finish into an empty net.

Both goals were created by Gakpo, whose bright form under the new manager has been one of the early highlights of the Iraola era at Anfield.

Barcola makes his debut

The second half brought a significant milestone as Bradley Barcola, Liverpool's £123m summer signing from PSG, stepped off the bench in the 66th minute to make his Premier League debut. Liverpool, already comfortable with their lead, dropped into a disciplined and well-organised shape that earned them a first clean sheet under Iraola.

Refereeing controversy clouds the result

The evening was not without its flashpoints. Ipswich supporters were incensed when Jérémy Jacquet, already booked for an earlier foul on Emersonn, appeared to challenge from behind in a second incident — yet referee Darren England awarded no foul at all, let alone a second yellow card.

Liverpool also had a VAR moment of their own when Dominik Szoboszlai was brought down in the area by Leif Davis in the 70th minute, prompting England to consult the pitchside monitor. However, Stockley Park confirmed that Szoboszlai had been in an offside position during the build-up, and the penalty was overturned.

Earlier, Isak had seen a third goal ruled out just before half-time after being flagged offside following a fine delivery from Florian Wirtz — denying him a repeat of the hat-trick he scored on his last visit to Portman Road with Newcastle United.

For Iraola, the result — however it came — is the perfect start. Liverpool look organised, clinical, and ready to compete as the Premier League season takes shape.