Arne Slot got off to a winning start in the Premier League as Liverpool beat Ipswich Town 2-0 at Portman Road.
Second-half strikes from Diogo Jota and Mo Salah were enough to see off the newly promoted side. Here are five things we learned from the game…
Alexander-Arnold shows his quality
Liverpool were underwhelming in the first half, failing to manage a shot on target despite dominating possession. But they were much improved after the break, thanks largely to the increased involvement of Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose incredible passing and vision got Liverpool on the front foot and eventually helped them to get in front, playing a lovely pass to set Salah away before he squared to Jota to put his side in front.
Salah’s persistence pays off
Salah could have found himself through on goal three or four times in the first half if not for a better touch or better ball from a team-mate, but he continued to make those trademark runs in from the right and it paid off after the restart, first setting up Jota for the opener and then getting on the scoresheet himself. His experience of when to make his runs combined with his pace and goalscoring ability means he is still one of the world’s best attackers.
Ipswich can take encouragement despite defeat
For 45 minutes Ipswich held their own against elite Premier League opposition, making life difficult for their opponents with their aggressiveness, bravery and tenacity. Liverpool’s quality ultimately shone through and it looked as though Ipswich grew tired as the game went on, but Kieran McKenna and his team had the right approach and will pick up points if they maintain that.
Midfield is the area to focus on for Liverpool
Liverpool ultimately came away with a comfortable win after a strong second-half performance, but if there is one area where the team needs improving, it is midfield. Ryan Gravenberch did a solid job against Ipswich but is not at the level Man City and Arsenal have in that position. Having missed out on Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, a high quality number six should still be the priority for Slot for the remainder of the transfer window, which would help to improve the team both in and out of possession.
Portman Road will be a difficult place to come for any team
The atmosphere inside Portman Road was electric for Ipswich’s first Premier League game in 22 years. The noise generated by the supporters was incredible and, combined with the team’s aggressiveness on the pitch, they made it very difficult for the travelling Liverpool team in the first half. Portman Road will need to be an intimidating place to come if Ipswich are to avoid relegation and that is exactly what it was in their first game back. Even when they went behind, the fans were right behind their team again straight from the kick-off.
FEATURED IMAGE: Marc Atkins/Getty Images VIA ONE FOOTBALL
