Yesterday at Portman Road, Liverpool finally got the result they needed. Andoni Iraola’s side left Suffolk with a professional 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town, their first Premier League win of the season and the new manager’s first in charge.
The night belonged to Alexander Isak. The Swedish striker needed just nine minutes to score twice and kill the game. Both goals came from the same source: Cody Gakpo.
In the sixth minute Gakpo slid a perfectly weighted pass into Isak’s path. The striker took one touch and smashed it past Kjell Scherpen at the near post. Three minutes later Gakpo produced something even better — a delicious outside-of-the-boot through ball that sent Isak in behind. A quick shimmy to wrong-foot Jacob Greaves, a calm finish, and it was 2-0. Game over.
Isak was later named Carlsberg Player of the Match by Liverpool supporters — his first such award in a red shirt. The official club site and fan vote confirmed it. A brace inside nine minutes is hard to argue with.
Yet the picture that emerged afterwards tells a more interesting story.
In the mixed zone, still in his red jersey, Isak stands against the Premier League backdrop, looking down with a quiet smile at a bright yellow bottle being handed to him. The expression is not the usual post-match glow of a match-winner soaking up the praise. It feels more like a man who knows the real story of the night.
Reports and player ratings across the board were split. Some outlets and fans gave Isak the full 9/10 for clinical finishing and movement. Others, including several high-profile ratings, handed the higher mark to Gakpo for the two world-class assists that made the goals possible. BBC’s Phil McNulty awarded Gakpo a 9 and Isak an 8. Multiple analyses called the Dutchman’s performance a masterclass and noted that keeping him at Anfield when Manchester City came calling may prove one of the smartest non-transfers of the summer.
In that context, the image of Isak examining the yellow bottle feels symbolic. The official award went to the goalscorer — as it so often does. But the man who received it looked ready to hand the credit, and perhaps the recognition, straight back to the teammate who created both goals.
It is the kind of moment that defines good dressing rooms. Isak finally looks like the £125m striker Liverpool signed. Gakpo continues to prove why he remains indispensable on the left. Together they gave Iraola the perfect start to life as Reds boss: early goals, a clean sheet, and three points on the road.
Bradley Barcola made his debut from the bench, the defence looked organised, and the travelling support left Portman Road singing. For the first time this season, Liverpool looked like a side with direction.
Isak got the goals and the official Man of the Match award. The photo suggests he was more than happy to point the real spotlight at Gakpo. In football, that kind of humility often says more than the trophy itself.
YNWA.
