Three things learned from Liverpool's season-opening win over Ipswich Town
- Liverpool came away with a 2-0 win over Ipswich Town in their season opener
- Arne Slot had his first real test as the Reds’ boss
- What was learned from Liverpool's opening match?
By Evan Curnew
A second-half surge from Liverpool gave the Reds a comfortable win over Ipswich Town.
Arne Slot's first Premier League match was one of two halves, to say the least, as the Reds found their finishing touch around the hour mark twice. The 2-0 win answered supporters' questions while prompting more questions about what is to come for the club. So, what was learned from Liverpool's season opener at Portman Road on August 17th?
Three things learned from Liverpool's season opening win over Ipswich Town
1. Tale of two halves in Arne Slot's first match
It was not surprising that Ipswich Town came out with strong pressing and a high level of energy. However, the opening half of Liverpool's first match of the season was unacceptable, to say the least. The long balls over the top were not connecting, and Ipswich were given plenty of opportunities to move the ball forward themselves.
Liverpool failed to register a single shot on target in the first half and had a lower xG than the Tractor Boys in the first 45 minutes.
The second half proved to be much better for the Reds, who were finally able to show the gap in squad quality between the two sides. Salah's brilliance was on full display in the latter half, picking up a goal and assist in the 2-0 win. The midfield stepped up significantly in the second half, and the passing in the final third also looked much sharper, allowing for a string of chances for the Reds to develop around the hour mark.
Liverpool's overload of bodies in the final third proved too tough for Ipswich to deal with. This was a stark difference from the first half when the club relied on long balls into the final third to be captured by Salah and Diaz.
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