Liverpool's wait for a first victory under Andoni Iraola is over.
On Friday night, the Reds very easily sweeped aside Ipswich Town 2-0 at Portman Road. The two goals came just three minutes apart, both scored within the first ten minutes; Cody Gakpo assisting Alexander Isak each time. In truth, very little happened thereafter, as Liverpool claimed a crucial victory in Suffolk to get their first three points of the capaign..
Speaking to reporters in the Portman Road mixed zone after the match, captain Virgil van Dijk was effusive in his praise of Isak, backing the Sweden international to be a key figure this season.
"I think he had a great World Cup, had a great pre-season in my opinion, and I think he had a good start of the season. So I think he's going to get only better... He deserved that moment. "Virgil van Dijk on Alexander Isak
Friday night saw Isak bag his first brace in a Liverpool shirt. Meantime, having also been on target against Nottingham Forest last weekend, the 26 year old has already matched his Premier League goals tally of three from last season.
Nevertheless, van Dijk wanted to highlight the mitigating factors behind Isak's miserable first campaign on Merseyside, believing that is behind him.
"I think Isak had a terrible injury last season. Anyone would take loads of time in order to come back from it, and that was very unfortunate... I think he worked so hard behind the scenes. We know there's obviously pressure with him coming to the club for a big amount, and obviously everyone wants him to perform"Virgil van Dijk on Alexander Isak
Well, there were certainly signs during the victory over Ipswich that Isak is well on his way to rediscovering the form he showed at Newcastle, which convinced Liverpool to pay £130 million for his signature in the first place.
However, he was not the only Liverpool attacker who deserved praise for their performance at Portman Road. Cody Gakpo has now assisted all three of Isak's goals this season, as well as scoring himself at St James' Park on the opening weekend.
His tally of four goal contributions across Liverpool's first three Premier League matches is the second-most by any Reds player in any season this century. He is behind only Mohamed Salah in 2024/25, and we all know how good the Egyptian King was as Arne Slot's team won the title.
Thus, it seems completely crazy that the Reds were actively trying to sell the Dutchman to Manchester City. Well, compatriot van Dijk is certainly pleased that move do not come to fruition.
"I don't think only this season [he has been important]... So yeah, I'm glad he stayed. I don't think anyone knows what he's been through...his reality is he's here with us and he wants to be important for us and he showed it already over numerous games, including the last two games before tonight and today again. "Virgil van Dijk on Cody Gakpo
In his career, for club and country, van Dijk and Gakpo have played alongside each other 206 times, 160 for the Reds and 46 for the Netherlands. The centre-back has only played more matches with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alisson, Andy Robertson and Salah. This is to say, if anyone know what Gakpo can bring, it is van Dijk.
So now, having claimed a first victory with Iraola in charge, can Liverpool put together something of a winning streak? Next up for the Reds are three successive home games in three different competitions. They'll commence their Champions League campaign against Atlético Madrid, before welcoming Fulham to Merseyside next Saturday and then hosting Tottenham in the EFL Cup.
Those three opponents, with perhaps the exception of Spurs, will provide tougher tests than Ipswich, but Isak and Gakpo will believe they can both continue their respective excellent starts to the season.
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