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Liverpool finally registered their first win of the Premier League season with an efficient 2-0 success at Portman Road, beating Ipswich Town after drawing their opening two matches. Alexander Isak was the standout performer, producing a ruthless first-half display that underlined why the club paid a British-record £125m for him and set the platform for a commanding afternoon in Suffolk.

Isak hit top form in record-signing fashion

Isak turned in his most clinical display since arriving at Liverpool from Newcastle United for a British-record £125m fee 12 months ago. The Sweden international looked lively from the opening whistle, answering doubts over his influence since his big-money switch to Anfield. By beating Kjell Scherpen twice inside the first nine minutes, the striker had effectively settled the contest before the newly promoted home side could properly grow into the game.

The win in Suffolk also represented an important landmark for Andoni Iraola, who claimed his first victory as Liverpool manager. By taking maximum points, Iraola avoided becoming the first Liverpool boss since Brendan Rodgers to go without a win in his opening three Premier League games.

Gakpo and Isak partnership proves decisive

Liverpool went ahead inside six minutes when Isak fired past Scherpen at the near post after a sharp through ball from Cody Gakpo. It was a significant moment for the Reds, as it was the first time they had gone in front in a Premier League match this season after trailing in draws against Nottingham Forest and Newcastle.

Only three minutes later, the pair linked up again to put the visitors 2-0 ahead and silence the Portman Road crowd. The assist also meant it was the third time this season that Gakpo - who had been linked with a summer move to Manchester City - had created a Premier League goal for the Swedish forward.

Araujo impresses on full debut

Although Liverpool's attack grabbed the headlines, their defence also played a major role in preserving the clean sheet. Ipswich nearly reduced the deficit around the half-hour mark, but Ronald Araujo made a crucial last-ditch block on his full debut to stop Daizen Maeda at the far post.

Isak was then prevented from completing his hat-trick shortly before half-time when the assistant referee raised the flag for offside after he converted Florian Wirtz's low cross. Even with that goal disallowed, Liverpool remained fully in control of the match.

Barcola gets first outing as Liverpool look ahead

Liverpool fans had more reason for optimism in the final 25 minutes as new signing Bradley Barcola made his debut. The France forward, who completed a £123m transfer from Paris Saint-Germain on Monday, came off the bench to a warm welcome from the travelling support.

The win lifts Liverpool to fifth in the Premier League standings on five points, while Ipswich stay 13th with three points. The Reds now switch focus to Europe, where they take on Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday, before returning to league action against Fulham at Anfield on 12 September.