Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola felt his team had learned lessons from their opening two matches, which had both ended in 2-2 draws, as they beat the Blues 2-0 at Portman Road, the Spaniard’s first win since taking charge at Anfield.

Alexander Isak netted in the sixth and ninth minutes, both from Cody Gakpo assists, to secure a lead that proved enough to confirm their first three-point haul following the stalemates at Newcastle United and at home to Nottingham Forest.

“Very pleased with the win, obviously,” he said. “We needed this win and as well with the performance – especially [in the] first half we have been a very good team.

“We put a lot of pressure on the opposition and I think we started really strongly in the game. I think that we learned, probably, the lessons from the last two games where we conceded early goals and today we didn't want this to happen, and we were really strong in the first half.

“In the second half also, I think in a different way. We controlled the game, we defended well, but we didn't have this threat offensively, probably. But overall, I think it's a game to finish quite pleased [about].”

On Isak, who had an under-par first season with the Reds following his £125 million move from Newcastle in the summer of 2025, Iraola added: “With Alex, if he's fit, if he's available, if he's in good shape, I think he will produce the numbers.

“My demands with Alex will not be about the goals, probably. It will be about other things. I will demand other things so we can play well and if we play well, we are in good positions, the goals will come.

“I think he has to contribute to the collective and when everyone helps, I think after the goals and the other stuff will come.”

Regarding Gakpo, he continued: “I have no doubt with Cody. He has been very good all the pre-season, has started very well this season, producing numbers.

“Today again, after the two assists, he finishes [the game at] number nine to help us close the game.

“I think it's good to have Cody because he can play in the three positions up top and to have him in this place for this beginning of the season is good.”

Iraola admitted he was relieved to have bagged his first Premier League win in the Liverpool hotseat in his third game, it having taken him until his 10th to claim his inaugural victory with his former club Bournemouth.

“Definitely,” he said. “That couldn't happen today because I think two points also didn't reflect our two first games, but it was the points we had.

“So, definitely we couldn't lose any more today and I'm happy because I believe we controlled the game quite well.”

Photo: TWTD