Written by Priya Kaur
For the first time in 22 years, The Tractor Boys are back in the Premier League and Portman Road was rocking!
With Ipswich eager to upset the Premier League giants, and the Reds determined to assert their dominance, fans were treated to a thrilling contest.
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Both managers were put through their paces as newly appointed manager Arne Slot started with Macallister, Szoboszlai and Gravenberch in midfield and Kieran McKenna kicked off with an interesting 4-2-3-1 formation.
It was a bright start for Ipswich as Robertson gave the ball away in the centre and Wes Burns was darting up the pitch, however, he was unable to convert the chance.
As Liverpool regained possession, Woolfenden cynically fouled Jota and consequently got shown a yellow card by referee Tim Robinson.
Ipswich were on the counterattack yet again, but Liverpool regrouped, sending many Ipswich bodies forward.
Omari Hutchinson, who was crucial for Ipswich’s success last season, was the second player to get booked after a challenge on Ryan Gravenberch, followed by another yellow handed to Burns, for a very Championship-like tackle.
The host’s counter-ability from Liverpool’s set-pieces were fantastic as Delap found Hutchinson’s dominant left foot, but was stopped by Alisson’s routine save down to his left.
The half-time whistle put an end to the thrilling first half, with Ipswich looking like the more dangerous team.
With the second half underway, Jarell Quansah made way for Ibrahima Konate and the Tractor Boys were outdanced by the Reds as their energy levels seemed to drop.
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Unsurprisingly, Trent delivered a marvellous lowball through to find Jota but it was intercepted right at the pivotal moment.
These chances started to increase for Arne Slot’s side with Liverpool ramping up the pressure and it was none other than Diogo Jota who made it 1-0 to the Reds!
The Egyptian King, Mo Salah squared it to Diogo whose finish was spectacular!
Slot’s side switched it on for the second half and further press resulted in an Andy Robertson corner, although nothing came of it.
It was history in the making as Mohamed Salah made it two for Liverpool! The winger has now become the outright top scorer in the Premier League’s opening-day matches with nine goals!
And if that wasn’t enough, only Wayne Rooney has both: scored and assisted in more different Premier League games than Salah- simply sensational!
70-minute substitutions for the Reds, as Conor Bradley came on for Trent Alexander Arnold and goalscorer Diogo Jota, made way for Cody Gakpo. Kostas Tsimikas then took the place of Andy Robertson.
Ryan Gravenberch was OUTSTANDING in the No 6 role!
Gakpo immediately made an impact as he surged down the left and looked to find Diaz. Despite a 0-2 lead, Arne’s boys were hungry for more.
The eager Cody Gakpo was the first one in the book for the visiting side, after a foul on Hutchinson and the crowd were delighted!
In the end, Liverpool’s quality shone through as they secured a hard-fought victory, despite a spirited performance by Ipswich town.
It was an emphatic win by the Reds, serving as a commanding start to the season!
Ratings
XI: Alisson 8, Trent Alexander Arnold 8, Jarrel Quansah 6, Virgil Van Dijk 7, Andy Robertson 6, Alexis Macallister 7, Dominik Szoboszlai 7, Ryan Gravenberch 8, Mohamed Salah 9, Diogo Jota 8, Luis Diaz 7.
Subs: Ibrahima Konate 7, Conor Bradley 7, Kostas Tsimikas N/A, Cody Gakpo N/A
