Arne Slot led Liverpool to a 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town in his first match as a Premier League manager.
The Reds were forced to ride the storm in the first half before their class shone through late on, with Diogo Jota opening the scoring at Portman Road. The Portuguese international capped off a neat passing move by tapping home from close-range in the 60th minute following good work from Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Salah then opened his account for the campaign just five minutes later as he pounced on a defensive error to poke his shot past the onrushing Christian Walton. Slot will have learnt plenty about life in the English top-flight up against the Premier League newcomers. Express Sport looks at five key talking points from the match…
Salah makes history
Salah’s goal against Ipswich saw him break a Premier League record for the most goals scored by a player on the opening day of the season, taking his tally to nine in total. The Egypt international was previously sharing the record with Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer.
Quansah injury fears
After impressing in pre-season, Jarell Quansah was rewarded for his efforts with a start against Ipswich. However, the 21-year-old was substituted off at half-time, with Ibrahima Konate coming on in his place. It is unclear whether the change was tactical or if Quansah may have sustained an injury problem which could force Liverpool into the transfer market for defensive reinforcements.
Joe Gomez exit on the cards
Joe Gomez was a notable admission from the Liverpool matchday squad, amid speculation that he could depart.
The England international did not travel to Portman Road for the Reds’ opening game of the season against Ipswich, having previously been heavily linked with a move to Newcastle. The Times report that the Magpies retain an interest in the 27-year-old, with Chelsea, Aston Villa and Fulham also monitoring his situation closely. Gomez is keen to continue ‘exploring his options’, in another conundrum for Slot to contend with.
Transfer fears highlighted
After unsuccessfully failing to lure Martin Zubimendi away from Real Sociedad, it was reported that Liverpool may not pursue an alternative. However, the Reds’ first-half display against Ipswich highlighted their need for a No. 6. The home side were able to play on the front foot and break through the lines regularly in central areas, and they may have been punished by a top side. Against lesser opposition, Ryan Gravenberch could thrive in the role though.
Ipswich settle into life in the Premier League
It took Ipswich a matter of minutes to settle into life in the English top-flight. The Tractor Boys caused Liverpool several problems on the counter-attack and also posed an aerial threat thanks to new signing Jacob Greaves. Kieran McKenna’s side lost very little in defeat and will look to build on the performance in the coming weeks.