Liverpool player ratings vs Ipswich: Classy Trent Alexander-Arnold runs the show as history-maker Mohamed Salah proves he’s the king of the opening

Liverpool player ratings vs Ipswich: Classy Trent Alexander-Arnold runs the show as history-maker Mohamed Salah proves he’s the king of the opening

The England right-back was back to his attacking best as Salah scored and claimed an assist to kick-off Arne Slot’s Reds tenure in style

Two goals in five second-half minutes from Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah secured Liverpool a 2-0 away win against Premier League new-boys Ipswich Town on Saturday.

The hosts, who were being watched by pop sensation Ed Sheeran, had the better of the first half, with Jacob Greaves, Omari Hutchinson, and Axel Tuanzebe all going close. The Reds, on the other hand, were restricted to half-chances for Trent Alexander-Arnold and Luis Diaz.

Then, after two poor misses from Diaz and Jota, the latter gave his side the lead on the hour mark after great work from Alexander-Arnold. Salah doubled the Reds’ lead five minutes later to become the top scorer in Premier League opening-day matches (nine) as Slot’s team repeatedly cut Ipswich open with ease. Liverpool could have won by half a dozen by the time the full-time whistle blew as they claimed a deserved win in Suffolk, the first of the Arne Slot era.

GOAL rates Liverpool’s players from Portman Road…

Goalkeeper & Defence

Alisson (7/10):

Was alert to keep out a number of efforts in the first 45 but was a virtual spectator in the second period as his team threatened to run riot.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (8/10):

He made some important tackles at the back to get his team out of trouble in the first half and showcased all his creative talents in the second 45. The full-back beautifully orchestrated a number of Liverpool’s attacks with his slick passing, including an incisive through ball that set Salah away for Jota’s opener.

Jarell Quansah (6/10):

Made some good blocks but struggled on occasion with the physical Liam Delap. Was taken off at half time.

Virgil van Dijk (7/10):

Was solid enough at the back but looked more assured in the second half as he used his physical presence to good effect.

Andrew Robertson (6/10):

The Scotland international made a clumsy start to the contest but became more solid as the game wore

Attack

Mohamed Salah (8/10):

Had the beating of Leif Davis for much of the first half as Liverpool used him as their transition focal point. Put one on a plate for Jota and then took his goal well as the Egyptian once again started the new Premier League season with a bang.

Diogo Jota (7/10):

Illustrated his ability to create something from nothing but, like Diaz, spurned a superb opportunity after the break as he headed wide. He bounced back, though, with a cool finish to give Liverpool the lead.

Luis Diaz (7/10):

Showed his dynamism in flashes early on but missed a glorious chance in the second half as his lofted finish went onto the roof of the goal. He was a threat throughout, though.

Subs & Manager

Ibrahima Konate (6/10):

Came on for Quansah at the break but had much less to do than his team-mate as Ipswich ran out of steam past the hour mark.

Conor Bradley (7/10):

Looked alert and lively when he came off the bench and nearly bagged a stoppage-time goal.

Cody Gakpo (7/10):

Added more pace and directness when introduced late on.

Konstantinos Tsimikas (6/10):

Was neat and tidy when he replaced Robertson.

Arne Slot (7/10):

For the first half, the strategy was to beat Ipswich’s press and then rapidly counter-attack but they lacked precision and cohesiveness in his first competitive game in charge. His team began to click – and then some – in the second half, though, and by the end of the contest the away fans were singing his name.