Ipswich Town delivered a valiant performance in their Premier League opener, succumbing to a 2-0 defeat against Liverpool at Portman Road on Saturday.
Kieran McKenna’s recently-promoted side, making their return to the top flight, displayed grit and determination, especially in a first half where they stifled Liverpool’s usually potent attack, limiting them to zero shots on target.
The Blues’ intense pressing and disciplined defense made life difficult for Liverpool, but the visitors’ class inevitably told after the break.
Mohamed Salah, marking his 350th appearance for the Reds, sealed the victory with a clinical finish, doubling Liverpool’s lead and showing why he’s considered one of the most dangerous forwards in Europe.
Despite the final score, Ipswich held their own, particularly in the first half.
They managed to register two shots on target, while Arne Slot’s Liverpool struggled to create clear-cut chances.
The first half saw Ipswich’s Jacob Greaves make a statement with a crunching tackle on Dominik Szoboszlai, setting the tone for a competitive match. Moments later, Omari Hutchinson capitalized on a rare error by Virgil van Dijk in the final third, though his shot was ultimately blocked by Jarell Quansah.
The Blues were relentless in their pursuit of an early goal. Wes Burns broke down the right wing after intercepting a loose pass, only to be stopped by a contentious decision as he appeared to be fouled by Andy Robertson.
Referee Tim Robinson waved play on, frustrating the Ipswich faithful, as Burns’ cross to Leif Davis rolled harmlessly out of play.
Ipswich’s aggressive approach saw Luke Woolfenden receive the first booking of their Premier League campaign following a tussle with Jota.
The ensuing set piece for Liverpool was short-lived as Greaves was fouled, allowing Ipswich to regroup.
Greaves continued to be a standout performer, not only in defense but also in orchestrating counterattacks.
In the 10th minute, he cleared a corner from Robertson, which led to a quick break. Hutchinson’s attempt to release Conor Chaplin down the left flank was inches away from being perfect, but the pass was slightly overhit.
As Ipswich maintained their pressure, a moment of brilliance from Sam Morsy nearly led to the opening goal.
His exquisite ball over the top found Liam Delap, whose first touch brought him into the box. However, Ryan Gravenberch managed to intervene just in time, dispossessing Delap before he could get a shot off.
Moments later, Hutchinson earned a yellow card for a late challenge on Gravenberch, further adding to the Blues’ mounting frustrations.
Greaves was at the heart of Ipswich’s best attacking moments. After Robertson fouled Burns, Morsy delivered a dangerous free-kick into the box. Greaves rose highest, directing a powerful header towards goal, but Alisson was equal to the task, diving low to deny the opening goal.
As the first half wore on, tensions began to rise. Burns was harshly booked for a light touch on Szoboszlai, and Ipswich’s appeals for a penalty were dismissed when Axel Tuanzebe appeared to be fouled by Jota in the box.
The referee awarded a corner instead, which was easily collected by Walton.
Liverpool started to find their rhythm as the half progressed, and a series of corners threatened Ipswich’s resilience.
However, the hosts launched a swift counterattack, with Chaplin outmuscling Alexis Mac Allister. Delap picked up the loose ball and threaded a pass through to Hutchinson, who found himself one-on-one with Alisson.
Unfortunately, Hutchinson hesitated, allowing the Liverpool goalkeeper to make a comfortable save.
As halftime approached, Liverpool pushed for an opener. A misjudged clearance from Woolfenden allowed Luis Diaz to break through on goal, but Christian Walton came to Ipswich’s rescue with a brave save, earning a standing ovation from the home crowd.
Ipswich had one final opportunity before the break when Davis delivered a low free-kick into the box. Chaplin’s initial strike was blocked by Quansah, and Davis quickly whipped the ball back in for Tuanzebe, whose header skimmed the top of the net.
The challenge for Ipswich was always going to be maintaining their intensity throughout the full 90 minutes, especially against a side with the depth and quality of Liverpool. Early in the second half, concerns grew as Burns pulled up while chasing a lobbed ball.
Although he briefly continued, he was eventually substituted, with Ben Johnson coming on in his place.
Ipswich experienced their first-ever VAR check in the Premier League within 10 minutes of the restart, as Van Dijk appeared to bring Delap down in the box.
However, the review was cut short when Davis was flagged offside in the build-up, nullifying the incident.
Liverpool’s quality began to shine through on the hour mark. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s precise pass found Salah, who sprinted into space before squaring the ball to Jota.
The Portuguese forward made no mistake, calmly slotting the ball past Walton to break the deadlock.
McKenna responded by making a double substitution, bringing on Jack Taylor and Marcus Harness for their Premier League debuts.
However, Liverpool doubled their lead almost immediately after the changes. Salah, now brimming with confidence, exchanged passes with Szoboszlai before rifling a shot into the net, sealing Ipswich’s fate.
Despite the uphill battle, Ipswich continued to push forward. New signing Sammie Szmodics made his debut, and Ali Al-Hamadi became the first Iraqi to play in the Premier League.
In the 80th minute, Al-Hamadi nearly made an instant impact, latching onto a lofted pass from Morsy and forcing Alisson into a save, though the effort was ultimately ruled offside.
As the game wound down, the atmosphere at Portman Road remained electric. Chants of “We’ve got super Kieran McKenna” echoed around the stadium, a testament to the belief that this Ipswich side could hold their own in the top tier.
Though tougher challenges lie ahead, including a daunting trip to reigning champions Manchester City, Ipswich’s spirited display against one of Europe’s elite will give them confidence as they navigate the Premier League season.
