Liverpool ascend to the summit of the 2024/25 Premier League table, with a comfortable win over Ipswich Town.
The first 45 minutes was a tale of an incoherent showing between the two sides, as it appeared they still had the preseason hangover.
Liverpool And Ipswich Town Were Underwhelming In The First Half
There was a paucity of chances in the opening period, as both teams couldn’t initiate passes to tear apart the defense of their opposition.
Ipswich Town’s Luke Woolfenden was booked in the 6th minute for a cynical foul on Diogo Jota.
Seven minutes later, Omari Hutchinson became the second player of Ipswich Town to get his name taken down into the referee’s book, for a reckless tackle of Ryan Gravenberch.
Kieran McKenna’s side had an opportunity in the 20th minute, with captain Morsy curling in a free-kick into the box.
His cross-connected to the head of Greaves, however, his effort was tame, as goalkeeper Alisson Becker pretty much made a comfortable save.
The first half witnessed more cards for Ipswich Town than big opportunities, as Wes Burns also got a yellow card for a poor tackle.
The Tractors also had a chance to get the opener in the 32nd minute following a delightful counterattack from a set-piece by Liverpool.
Ipswich Town cleared the ball away and it got to Delap, who found Hutchinson, with the ex-Chelsea man having space to exploit.
However, Omari Hutchinson’s subsequent effort couldn’t trouble goalkeeper Alisson Becker, leading to the Brazilian making an easy save.
Arne Slot’s side and Ipswich Town went into the break level with the need for a goal ringing in the players’ minds.
Liverpool made a quick change ahead of the restart of action in the second half, with Ibrahima Konate replacing Jarell Quansah.
The game began to open up in the second period, with the Reds controlling the affair and dominating play at Portman Road.
Kieran McKenna introduced Ben Johnson for Wes Burns in the 57th minute, as Ipswich Town looked to up the ante.
Diogo Jota Nets Liverpool’s First Goal Of The 2024/25 Season
Ultimately, Liverpool breached the defense of the Tractors at the hour mark, with Diogo Jota netting their first goal of the campaign.
Mohamed Salah crept in behind Davis and the highline of Ipswich Town, before squaring the ball into the path of Jota, who finished the opportunity expertly.
Jack Taylor was brought on by the home side in the 65th minute for Massimo Luongo, while Marcus Harness came on for Conor Chaplin.
Mohamed Salah Scores For Liverpool In Their Opening Season Win Over Ipswich
Liverpool doubled their lead following the alteration, with Salah opening his goal account for the new season.
The Egyptian international scored the Reds’ second after a swift interchange play from the edge of the area.
The goal meant Mohamed Salah has become the outright top-scorer in Premier League opening day matches with 9 goals.
In the 74th minute, Ipswich Town made two sets of changes, with former Manchester United man Axel Tuanzebe being withdrawn for Sammie Szmodics.
Liam Delap also exited the fray for Ali Al Hamadi, while Alexander Arnold was taken off by Liverpool boss Arne Slot in the 77th minute, with Conor Bradly coming on in his stead.
Eleven minutes to the end of normal time, Cody Gakpo replaced Diogo Jota, while Konstantinos Tsimikas was substituted for Andrew Robertson.
Ipswich Town troubled Liverpool late on with Ali Al Hamadi disturbing goalkeeper Alisson in the 80th minute and pulling a top save from the former Roma goalie.
However, following the electric attacking move by the Tractors, an offside was spotted and the chance was extinguished.
Liverpool had a massive opportunity 4 minutes into the added eight minutes of stoppage time, with the Merseyside-based club forcing top saves off Ipswich goalie Christian Walton, who put in a great shift in goal despite conceding twice in the encounter.
In the 90+5 minute, Cody Gakpo was also brandished a yellow for a foul on Omari Hutchinson.
Liverpool commence the 2024/25 Premier League campaign with a delightful victory, while newly-promoted Ipswich Town begin the campaign with a defeat.
