Arne Slot made a successful start as Liverpool manager, securing a 2-0 victory against newly-promoted Ipswich Town on Saturday, thanks to second-half goals from Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah.
Slot, who took over from Jurgen Klopp at Anfield, saw his side struggle in the first half but deliver a commanding performance after the break. Ipswich, back in the Premier League after 22 years, started confidently in front of a packed Portman Road, including celebrity fan and minority owner Ed Sheeran, who attended before leaving at halftime for a concert in Serbia.
Ipswich created the better chances early on, with Omari Hutchinson having a shot blocked and Jacob Greaves forcing Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker into a save. Liverpool, still yet to make a signing this transfer window, looked sluggish in the first half, but Slot’s halftime talk seemed to spark a change in the team.
Trent Alexander-Arnold played a pivotal role in both goals. His inch-perfect pass allowed Salah to assist Jota for the opener on the hour mark. Just five minutes later, Salah scored himself after combining with new signing Dominik Szoboszlai. Despite further chances for Liverpool, Ipswich’s goalkeeper Christian Walton made several key saves to limit the damage.
Ipswich’s return to the top flight was a reality check, and they now face an even tougher test against defending champions Manchester City next weekend. Meanwhile, Liverpool will be hoping to build momentum under Slot, with a relatively favorable run of fixtures ahead.
