Alexander Isak finally delivered the kind of performance Liverpool expected when they broke the British transfer record to sign him, scoring twice inside the opening nine minutes as the Reds defeated Ipswich Town 2-0 on Friday.
The victory gave Liverpool their first Premier League win of the season and marked new manager Andoni Iraola’s first league victory since taking over from Arne Slot.
Liverpool made their intentions clear almost immediately in Suffolk, with Isak tormenting the newly promoted Ipswich defence and finding the net twice before the match had properly settled.
Although Ipswich showed determination, their defensive frailties were again exposed. They had conceded five goals against Manchester United the previous week, and Liverpool’s attacking quality proved equally difficult to contain.
For Isak, however, the result carried much greater significance.
The Sweden international endured a difficult first season at Anfield after his controversial move from Newcastle United. He arrived short of full fitness following his efforts to force through the transfer and subsequently struggled with injuries.
His performances were a far cry from the form that had persuaded Liverpool to spend £125m on him, with the striker often looking uncomfortable and short of confidence.
Isak was also overshadowed by fellow forward Hugo Ekitike as Liverpool endured a disappointing title defence that eventually cost Slot his job, barely a year after he had guided the club to the Premier League crown.
While Bradley Barcola, Liverpool’s £123m signing from Paris Saint-Germain, also made his debut and offered glimpses of his explosive pace during a 26-minute cameo, Isak was the clear headline act.
After a season in which his enormous price tag appeared to weigh heavily on him, the Swedish striker finally looked like the prolific forward Liverpool believed they were buying.
