Arne Slot enjoyed a strong debut as Liverpool manager, guiding the team to a 2-0 victory over newly promoted Ipswich Town in their 2024/25 Premier League opener. The match marked Ipswich’s return to the Premier League for the first time since 2002, and although they showed promise at times, Liverpool’s quality ultimately prevailed at Portman Road.
Diogo Jota put Liverpool ahead in the 60th minute with a composed finish following a slick assist from Mohamed Salah, who then scored the second goal just five minutes later. The Reds showcased their attacking prowess, and despite Ipswich’s spirited play, they could not find a way back into the match.
Next up for Liverpool is a home game against Brentford, while Ipswich faces a challenging encounter against reigning champions Manchester City.
In the first half, Ipswich’s Jacob Greaves and Omari Hutchinson made attempts to test Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, but their efforts were largely kept at bay. A missed opportunity from Luke Woolfenden nearly gave Liverpool the lead, but Walton denied Luis Diaz.
After halftime, a controversial moment occurred when Virgil van Dijk’s challenge on Liam Delap prompted appeals from Ipswich, but the offside flag saved Liverpool after VAR review. Following that warning, Liverpool intensified their attack, with Diaz missing a chance before Jota finally broke the deadlock.
Salah’s goal shortly thereafter sealed Liverpool’s victory, showcasing their striking depth. Slot’s start as Liverpool manager is notable as he became the first to win his opening match since Gerard Houllier in 1998.
Ipswich’s performance, particularly in the first half, caught the attention of minority owner Ed Sheeran, who witnessed their industrious midfield efforts. Although Ipswich fell short, they were reminded of the challenges posed by top-tier opposition, which they will face again against Manchester City.
After the match, Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna expressed his belief in his team’s first-half dominance, while Arne Slot described the second half as a joy to watch after weathering the initial pressure. Notably, Salah’s achievements included reaching 300 goal involvements in his 350th appearance for Liverpool, further solidifying his status as a key player for the club.