Andoni Iraola didn't try to hide it after the final whistle. Two opening draws had left Liverpool searching for answers, and the pressure was already mounting on Merseyside to kick-start this 2026-27 Premier League campaign.
Enter Alexander Isak
If the Swedish striker's debut season was hampered by frustration and fitness battles, this three-minute blitz at Portman Road was a timely reminder of just how devastating he can be when properly serviced.
Two quick-fire goals inside a frantic opening spell completely broke Ipswich Town’s resistance and handed Iraola his maiden competitive victory in the Liverpool dugout.
The Swede fired in a rocket to open the scoring, and not long later Cody Gakpo played a wonderful trivela pass to unleash Isak once more, who dispatched expertly.
Liverpool proceeded to remain in second gear for the majority of the game, and while Ipswich had a few chances, the Reds' victory never felt under threat.
This offered a timely reminder of the Liverpool identity that went missing last term a side brimming with tactical ideas, a distinct identity, and, most crucially, a relentless, suffocating appetite to win the ball back.
Iraola has not been afraid to drop players who haven't played well, and the introduction of Ronald Araujo and Alexis Mac Allister into the starting XI tightened things up for the Reds.
So, let's take a look into the winners and losers from Friday's fixture.
Winners
1 - Alexander Isak
The Swedish striker arrived at Anfield with lofty expectations. As one of the most expensive British transfers of all time, many expected him to hit the ground running.
Yet, a dysfunctional season can disrupt even the best of players. A broken leg doesn't help either.
But with a solid World Cup and full pre-season under his belt, it really does feel like Isak is finally a Liverpool player.
Isak could have had a hat-trick had he not wandered marginally offside. This really felt like a game he needed, and it will do wonders for his confidence.
But like Iraola said post match, Liverpool's number 9 has more to do:
"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."
It's good to see Iraola demand more from his striker, not just goals.
Isak's career at Liverpool is finally getting started, and there are exciting times to come for the Swede.
2 - Cody Gakpo
Gakpo's move to Manchester City had the plug pulled in the final moments of deadline day as Liverpool failed to find a replacement.
And what a stroke of luck that could be.
Many would have happily seen the back of the Dutch forward had a suitable replacement been found. Nonetheless, selling him to City would have been a huge mistake.
Likewise, many wouldn't have blamed the Dutchman for downing tools a bit following a tough season under Arne Slot and not the best treatment from fans.
But the signing of Bradley Barcola seems to have revitalised Liverpool's number 18.
The Swedish forward delivered a transformative display, particularly during a dominant first-half performance that bore little resemblance to his struggles of the previous campaign. While Andoni Iraola has built a strong reputation for developing and maximising the potential of attacking talent, the immediate sharpness and efficacy of this resurgence still exceeded expectations.
Who'd have thought that competition in places is a good thing? Gakpo will now need to prove to Iraola that he deserves to start over Barcola or Victor Munoz, as competition on both wings is high.
With games coming thick and fast, Liverpool's forwards are finding their feet at just the right time.
Losers
1 - Jeremie Frimpong
It was hard to pick out losers for this week, and despite not playing, Frimpong may see his minutes limited after Ronald Araujo's performance.
The Uruguayan provided a real sense of stability, grit and solidity that has been missing from Liverpool's defence for several years now. Even when Trent Alexander-Arnold was there.
The number 33 won all six of his aerial duels, 75% of his ground duels and wasn't dribbled past.
He wasn't perfect, and had a few sketchy moments, but it was clear how much less threatened the Reds were with Araujo at right-back.
Frimpong will still be useful. Against teams that may not attack as much, or where Liverpool can counter more often, will be where he finds his value.
He can also feature on the right-wing if needed, which may also be a bit of a 'secret' weapon, and this is also where him and Florian Wirtz were so dangerous.
Whatever the outcome, Araujo's performance is welcomed, and allows the Reds a bit of breathing room at right-back.
2 - Ryan Gravenberch
This is the second game in a row where Gravenberch was left on the bench after a disappointing opening fixture against Newcastle.
The Dutchman may have to return to a more conservative or disciplined role if he is to feature more during the season.
Liverpool's number 38 was a revelation in the title winning season of 2024/25 when deployed as a defensive midfielder and won Young Player of the Year.
Why this plan was changed in 2025/26 is a mystery, but Gravenberch may have to accept a less attacking role if he is to displace Mac Allister. Even Trey Nyoni may threaten his role in the squad as the youngster has shown he has the qualities to improve the team from deeper.
Liverpool's next game is against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League at Anfield.
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