Liverpool forwards Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah spoiled Ipswich’s Premier League return and handed new boss Arne Slot a debut victory.
Ipswich were back in the top flight for the first time in 22 years after consecutive promotions under Kieran McKenna and edged a tight first half in front of a buoyant Portman Road crowd.
Liverpool, who finished third in Jurgen Klopp’s last season, went up a level after the break with Jota able to force the opener on the hour mark after an assist by Salah.
Salah went from provider to scorer five minutes later with a smart finish and it proved enough to ensure Slot made a triumphant start with a 2-0 win on the road.
Ipswich had made a flurry of summer signings, but McKenna hinted on Friday it would be a lot of his old guard that began this opener and seven of the XI were starters when they clinched promotion from League One in 2023.
It was a similar story for Liverpool after they had failed to make a single transfer under new head coach Slot and a raucous atmosphere welcomed the Dutchman to English football.
With no shortage of adrenaline, yellow cards were more frequent than chances early on, but the home crowd were almost on their feet when debutant Jacob Greaves’ weak header was nearly spilled by Alisson Becker in the 20th minute.
A third caution for an Ipswich player followed before a lightning quick counter-attack ended with Omari Hutchinson’s low strike being routine enough for Alisson.
Mohamed Salah scores @LFC''s second goal in quick succession 💪
In doing so, he becomes the outright top scorer in Premier League opening day matches with nine goals! #IPSLIV | #TheKickOff pic.twitter.com/18uVQkbPZZ
— Premier League (@premierleague) August 17, 2024
Liverpool had dominated possession and forced plenty of corners, but failed to test Christian Walton before half-time after a curled effort in stoppage-time by Trent Alexander-Arnold sailed over.
Slot replaced Jarell Quansah with Ibrahima Konate at the break and Liverpool emerged with better intent, a goalbound Salah shot being blocked by Greaves before Luis Diaz blazed over.
Penalty appeals were waved away at either end when Liam Delap went down after contact by Virgil van Dijk, but Leif Davis was offside, and Walton was not penalised after he caught Diaz, who had scooped over.
McKenna was forced to substitute the injured Wes Burns, who was fortunate to escape a second yellow for a deliberate first-half handball, as the visitors started to turn the screw.
Jota inexplicably headed wide in the 59th minute from a wonderful Alexander-Arnold delivery, not long after Luke Woolfenden brilliantly denied Alexis Mac Allister, but 60 seconds later the deadlock was broken.
Alexander-Arnold was central to the opener with a superb through-ball to Salah, who found Jota and this time he made no mistake to slot past Walton.
Ipswich supporters responded with encouragement but five minutes later it was 2-0.
Van Dijk picked out Salah with a superb crossfield ball and he exchanged passes with Dominik Szoboszlai before the Liverpool number 11 steered under Walton.
As the Ipswich players tired, further chances were created by the visitors before Alisson saved from home substitute Ali Al-Hamadi late on to prevent a grand finale.
Man Utd are reportedly on the brink of offloading Jadon Sancho with the help of a former manager.Jadon Sancho is reportedly nearing Fenerbahce.Jadon Sancho has reached an agreement on personal terms with Fenerbahce in a significant step towards a Manchester United exit, according to reports. The 25-year-old is claimed to be nearing a permanent departure, spelling the end of a failed £73millio...
Liverpool have made a centre-back signing their next priority in the transfer market.Liverpool are keeping tabs on Crystal Palace captain Marc GuehiLiverpool reportedly have other centre-backs on their radar despite being heavily linked with Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi. The Reds have an established partnership between Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate in the centre of their defence, but a ...
Marcus Rashford is likely to leave Manchester United this summer.Marcus Rashford's dream move is reportedly to BarcelonaMarcus Rashford’s dream move to Barcelona FC could be back on with the La Liga club reportedly exploring a loan move for the Manchester United outcast. A move to Catalonia is widely reported to be Rashford’s preferred destination following his temporary spell at Aston...
Newcastle to smash wage structure to make Isak highest-paid player everPer The Times, Newcastle are determined to retain Alexander Isak's services beyond this summer and the officials are set to initiate talks with the player over a new and improved contract, which could potentially fend off interest from the Gunners and Reds. The Magpies are ready to offer a salary beyond £150,000 a week, wh...
Alexander IsakNewcastle United are set to offer a new lucrative contract to Alexander Isak that will make the striker the club's highest-paid player ever.WHAT HAPPENED?Isak had a terrific outing for the Magpies in the 2024-25 campaign as he scored 23 league goals and helped the club secure a Champions League slot. He also played a key role in Eddie Howe's side ending the club's trophy drought with...
Marcus Rashford Man Utd Barcelona 2025Barcelona are keen on a loan deal for Manchester United outcast Marcus Rashford as they weigh up a permanent move for Nico Williams.WHAT HAPPENED?The reigning La Liga champions are keen to add to their attacking options this summer, with a move for Rashford now back on the table, as first reported by The Sun. The club's unhealthy financial situation means a lo...
Chelsea making new offer for Borussia Dortmund winger GittensChelsea are closing on an agreement with Borussia Dortmund for winger Jamie Gittens.The England U21 international saw a move to Chelsea collapse on the Club World Cup transfer deadline day, leaving the youngster frustrated.However, the move now appears to be back on, with claims an agreement is close to being struck.The Athletic says Che...
Real Madrid set 377M price tag for Rodrygo as Arsenal deal draws closerArsenal have targeted Real Madrid star Rodrygo this summer but will have to pay a hefty price tag to secure his services.The 24-year-old has been linked with a lucrative move to the Gunners this summer after he felt like he was underappreciated in a side that includes some of the best players in the world, including Kylian Mbap...
Liverpool cult hero waves goodbye as transfer confirmed: It’s been an absolute honour...Liverpool defender Nat Phillips has officially joined West Brom this summer and he has sent an emotional farewell to fans.The centre-back has spent the past two seasons out on loan at Celtic, Cardiff City and Derby County and had just one year left on his contract before the club decided that his time was...
Liverpool held positive talks with De Bruyne before he decided to join NapoliKevin De Bruyne did speak with Liverpool whilst deciding his future at Manchester City in what would have been a shock move.The 33-year-old has left City as a free agent to join the Serie A champions this summer as he aims to defend the title under manager Antonio Conte. However, before his move the Belgian international ...
- 1 Gareth Bale set to buy former PL club
- 2 'He felt honored' - Marcelo Gallardo confirms he approached Cristiano Ronaldo about playing for River Plate at the Club World Cup
- 3 Samson Tijani: Nigeria star joins Dukla Prague from RB Salzburg
- 4 Diletta Leotta sizzles in tiny bikini on inflatable flamingo
- 5 Seattle Sounders vs PSG Prediction 24 June 2025
- 6 Ex-Ajax star Promes extradited to Netherlands to serve jail term
- 7 Real Madrid reveal target as Zubimendi joins Arsenal
- 8 Neymar flaunts 'candy floss' pink outfit that costs more than a family car
- 9 Premier League fixtures: Man City learn dates for 2025-26 campaign
- 10 Barcelona announce Garrido departure