Liverpool kicked off their new era under Arne Slot with a convincing 2-0 win over Ipswich Town in their opening Premier League fixture.
Diogo Jota and Mo Salah scored the goals in a five-minute spell in the second half, as Liverpool dominated the game after a spirited first-half display from the hosts.
Ipswich, playing their first top-flight game in three years, started brightly under new manager Kieran McKenna, but ultimately fell short against a Liverpool side that found their rhythm after the break.
The Tractor Boys, buoyed by a lively atmosphere at Portman Road, had chances of their own in the first half, with Jacob Greaves and Omari Hutchinson both testing Alisson in the Liverpool goal.
Liverpool began their 2024-25 campaign by winning away at Ipswich Town on Saturday
This was Liverpool’s first competitive game under the leadership of new manager Arne Slot
Diogo Jota scored the first goal of Liverpool’s Slot era with a sharp finish in the 60th minute
Mo Salah, after assisting Jota for Liverpool’s first goal, scored his team’s second on 65 minutes
But it was Liverpool who took control in the second half, with Jota’s clinical finish on the hour mark breaking the deadlock.
Salah then doubled the visitors’ advantage five minutes later, capitalizing on a deflected cross from Leif Davis to seal the win for Slot’s side.
Ipswich, meanwhile, will take heart from their spirited display, which showed they can compete against top-flight opposition.
Music star Ed Sheeran (centre) was among the Portman Road crowd but he left at half-time
Jota, 27, celebrated his goal on Saturday by performing an homage to the ‘Baby Shark’ song
Salah has now scored nine opening-weekend goals during his prolific Premier League career
Liverpool’s Luis Diaz (right) and Ipswich’s Jacob Greave (left) pictured battling for the ball
Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna waved at the crowd following the final whistle on Saturday
Alisson (left) and Ibrahima Konate (right) congratulated each other on Liverpool’s clean sheet
Ipswich will look to build on their encouraging display when they host Brighton in their next Premier League fixture.
Liverpool, meanwhile, will aim to maintain their winning start when they welcome Chelsea to Anfield.
The Reds will be buoyed by their convincing win, which marked a successful debut for new manager Arne Slot.
And with Salah and Jota leading the charge, Liverpool fans will be optimistic about their team’s chances of mounting a strong title challenge this season.