Alexander Isak back to his best to help ease transfer window concerns in Ipswich win

All good things come to those who wait. And Liverpool have certainly had to be patient with Alexander Isak.

But this was Isak back to his scintillating best as last summer’s record buy stole centre stage from this year’s big money buy Bradley Barcola.

Isak scored twice within the space of four first half minutes to secure Liverpool ’s first win of the season as they were simply too good for newly-promoted Ipswich.

The hangover from a transfer window can easily derail a club’s season and there must have been worries for Liverpool.

For a start, Cody Gakpo nearly joined bitter rivals Manchester City in the final days of the window while new £106m signing Bradley Barcola was deemed not fit enough to start so was on the bench.

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But, actually, the uncertainty clearly gave Gakpo something to prove to Andoni Iraola. Let’s not forget Liverpool were willing to let Gakpo go but could not get their transfer targets in.

Liverpool, with Gakpo at the heart of everything, started with a real buzz and energy which threatened to overwhelm newly-promoted Ipswich. And the home fans were left very quiet within the first ten minutes.

It was last year’s big-money buy, Alexander Isak, who really shone and lit up Portman Road with his pace, movement and sublime finishing.

Liverpool paid £125m for Isak last summer, he only scored four goals in all competitions for the Reds in an injury-plagued first season and the spotlight has really been on him in the early weeks of this campaign.

Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville branded Isak and Florian Wirtz “the biggest disappointments” after their draw at Newcastle on the opening weekend. Frankly, it was also a reflection of their time at Anfield so far. Both of last summer’s big-money buys have been underwhelming.

But this was more like the Isak Liverpool thought they were signing. And Liverpool also looked more like an Iraola team. They were high energy, they pressed and were playing with high intensity.

It took them just six minutes to go ahead. It was Gakpo’s pass who released Isak and the Liverpool striker’s shot was so fierce that Ipswich keeper Kjell Scherpen could not keep it out.

Liverpool’s traveling fans began singing: “Isak again, ole, ole.” That seemed a bit rich has he has hardly been prolific. But he did score in the draw with Nottingham Forest last weekend and quickly had them singing again.

This time, Gakpo’s pass was really special. From the left, through the eye of a needle, Gakpo’s through ball released Isak who tied Ipswich defender Jacob Greaves up in knots before slotting past Scherpen.

Liverpool were in cruise control. Ipswich were in disarray. We should not forget that Ipswich spent £189m which was more than Spanish giants Barcelona. Yes, no-one expected anything other than another fight for survival. But there was little evidence of any fight.

They were being steamrollered in midfield, overwhelmed in defence and a bit powder puff up front. Ipswich captain Dara O’Shea remonstrated angrily with his teammates. In fairness, Julio Enciso gives them an edge.

But it took them a long time to get going and Liverpool could have been out of sight. Dominik Szoboszlai unleashed two long range efforts. Isak thought he had a hat trick only to have strayed offside.

Eventually, Liverpool fans got their wish and on came Barcola for his first run-out since playing for France against England in the third-place play-off at the World Cup. Barcola came on to a great reception and there were enough glimpses to leave the fans very excited.

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