Andoni Iraola "very pleased" following Liverpool's victory at Portman Road
An Alexander Isak brace gave Andoni Iraola his first victory as Liverpool manager, securing a 2-0 win following two draws in his opening games.
The Liverpool No. 9 picked up where he left off against Nottingham Forest, scoring twice inside the opening nine minutes to put the Reds firmly in control. Cody Gakpo set up the Swedish forward on both occasions, taking his tally to one goal and three assists at the start of this Premier League season, proving that the decision to keep him at the club in the final days of the transfer window was a good one.
The hosts tried to find a way back into the game but could not break through the Liverpool backline. Ronald Araújo was the star of the show at the back, making his first start in a Liverpool shirt and putting in a very solid shift at right-back.
New star signing Bradley Barcola also came on for his debut in the 64th minute, showing glimpses of what can be expected from the £123 million man.
The result also mirrors the first victory of the man Iraola replaced, Arne Slot. The Dutchman picked up his first win as Liverpool manager by the same 2-0 scoreline at Portman Road during the Reds' title-winning season.
It was a very good display from the Basque manager's side, who remain unbeaten after three Premier League matches.
"Yes, very pleased with the win, obviously. We needed this win and as well with the performance – especially [in the] first half we have been a very good team. We put a lot of pressure to the opposition and I think we started really strong in the game. I think that we learned, probably, the lessons from the last two games where we conceded early goals and today we didn't want this to happen, and we were really strong in the first half. In the second half also, I think in a different way. We controlled the game, we defended well, but we didn't have this threat offensively, probably. But overall, I think it's a game to finish quite pleased."
Alexander Isak is someone who had many eyes on him coming into the new season. After an injury-riddled opening year to life on Merseyside, it felt like the striker needed a big campaign.
The Sweden international is already on three goals after three games, matching his tally from the previous year. If he can find the form that convinced the club to make him the most expensive signing in Liverpool history, then we can all expect to see Isak on the scoresheet most weeks.
"Yes, with Alex, if he's fit, if he's available, if he's in good shape, I think he will produce the numbers. My demands with Alex will not be about the goals, probably. It will be about other things, I will demand other things so we can play well and if we play well, we are in good positions, the goals will come. I think he has to contribute to the collective and when everyone helps, I think after the goals and the other stuff will come."
Cody Gakpo has been involved in the goals once again this season, with the winger contributing in all three matches so far.
A move away from Merseyside looked imminent in the final days of the transfer window, but the club decided that the best thing to do was keep the Dutchman.
Starting the season on fire, the former PSV man may have already shown that the best signing Liverpool made in the summer window was keeping him.
"I have no doubt with Cody. He has been very good all the pre-season, has started very well this season, producing numbers. Today again, after the two assists, he finishes No.9 to help us close the game. I think it's good to have Cody because he can play in the three positions up top and to have him in this place for this beginning of the season is good."
"Cody knows how much we value him, I think there is no doubt. I rate him very highly. I will demand from him, obviously, because there is also a strong competition for minutes because we have good players in those positions and it's a matter of pushing each other. With Bradley, with Rio, with Victor, it's a matter that sometimes they will start, sometimes they come from the bench, sometimes they will not play. But this competition, I think is going to be good for all of them."
