Looking at Liverpool’s best and worst performers in their 2-0 win over Ipswich Town
Second-half strikes from Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah helped Liverpool beat newbies Ipswich Town at Portman Road in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon and kickstart Arne Slot’s tenure in style.
On their return to the top flight after 22 long years, Ipswich Town had the better of the first half, with Jacob Greaves, Omari Hutchinson, and Axel Tuanzebe all going close. Liverpool, on the other hand, struggled to get going and only had half-chances for Luis Diaz and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
However, the Reds started the second half strongly, and after two narrow misses from Diaz and Jota, the latter gave the lead on the hour mark with a fine left-footed finish in the box after being squared by Salah. Five minutes later, Salah doubled the tally for the visitors.
Arne Slot’s side repeatedly tormented Ipswich Town’s defence after the break and could have easily won the contest by a higher margin. Eventually, they had to settle for a deserved 2-0 win in Suffolk—the first of the Dutchman’s regime.
On that note, we take a look at the three stars and flops for Liverpool against the Tractor Boys.
Stars
1. Mohamed Salah
After a rusty opening 45 minutes, Mohamed Salah created another history as a Liverpool player on Saturday by becoming the Premier League‘s highest opening day goalscorer, with nine strikes. He assisted Jota and then scored himself to seal the deal for the visitors in a five-minute spell in the second half.
Our Egyptian king was unplayable at times after the break, exploiting the spaces behind a tiring Ipswich rearguard as he got his campaign off to a flyer. Salah enjoyed his role as Liverpool’s transitional focal point and created numerous problems for the hosts. The 32-year-old was by far the Reds’ most dangerous attacker on the afternoon.
2. Diogo Jota
Diogo Jota was a constant outlet in attack with his runs, tenacity, pressing and movement. After glancing a free header just wide from a delicious Trent Alexander-Arnold cross from the right, the Portuguese made amends with a composed finish from his weaker left foot.
He led the Liverpool attack and more than justified his selection ahead of Darwin Nunez. With an industrious display as a No.9, Jota demonstrated why him staying fit this campaign is so crucial for the club if we are to achieve something momentous under Slot.
3. Ryan Gravenberch
It was a tight call between Ryan Gravenberch and Trent Alexander-Arnold but we’ve decided to go with the former. Starting as a No.6 alongside Alexis Mac Allister in a double pivot, Gravenberch after a steady but unspectacular first half, dominated the show in the second.
The Dutchman was extremely composed in possession, initiated attacks from the deep, carried the ball well and linked very well to help the visitors have complete control of the game. Ipswich players couldn’t get near him at times as Gravenberch enjoyed his first outing under Slot.
After an underwhelming first season at Anfield where the central midfielder couldn’t establish himself as a starter under Jurgen Klopp, he has the opportunity to convince the new coach of his qualities on and off the ball and Saturday’s game was a fine start.
Flops
1. Andy Robertson
Slot surprised many fans by selecting Andy Robertson over Kostas Tsimikas at left-back given their respective playing time in the US pre-season tour. in reality, Robertson was far from his best to start with, making poor decisions on the ball, failing to make successful passes, committing unnecessary errors and basically looking rusty.
The Scotland skipper endured a challenging opening 45 minutes against Wes Burns, but after the Ipswich winger was forced off with a hamstring injury, he started enjoying some joy down the left flank and linked well with Diaz. Yet, Robertson would have not been happy with his overall performance at Portman Road.
2. Alexis Mac Allister
Alexis Mac Allister operated as a No.8 alongside Gravenberch in the double pivot for the Reds. The 2022 World Cup winner looked rusty in the pre-season friendly against Sevilla last weekend and that still proved to be the case early on against the newly promoted side on Saturday.
The 25-year-old couldn’t really dictate the tempo of play in the first half as he would have liked to, especially after playing in his natural position. While he improved as the game wore on just like his teammates, Mac Allister will know he has had better games in a Red shirt, definitely.
3. Jarell Quansah
A solid pre-season tour saw Jarell Quansah rewarded with a start alongside skipper Virgil van Dijk in central defence. However, he was surprisingly replaced at half time with Slot later saying the move was tactical, thus, quashing any potential injury fears.
Quansah, along with his fellow teammates at the back, were guilty of failing to win aerial duels as Ipswich went direct most of the times and tried to use the focal point of Liam Delap. The hosts targeted our academy kid with long balls and enjoyed some joy around his area. As a result, Slot decided to substitute him with the experienced Ibrahima Konate, and the move paid off handsomely for the Merseyside outfit.
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Quansah getting hooked at half time shouldn’t have gone down well but we hope he takes Slot’s decision on his chin and grows from this experience.
