Liverpool secured their first Premier League win of the season, and of coach Andoni Iraola’s reign, thanks to two goals from Alexander Isak in the first 10 minutes at Portman Road.Iraola’s side had drawn their first two matches 2-2, away at Newcastle and at home to Nottingham Forest, but only ever looked like winning this one.The Athletic’s Gregg Evans and Anantaajith Raghuraman assess the action…Is Alexander Isak finally up and running?The start of Isak’s Liverpool career has been difficult. His arrival at Anfield last September after a protracted transfer from Newcastle left him catching up to the rest of his team-mates, who themselves were bereaved and reeling following the tragic death of Diogo Jota on the eve of pre-season. The £125million price tag hung heavy over the Swedish striker’s head, while a broken foot and muscular problems persisted throughout a campaign where he scored just three Premier League goals.During the first nine minutes of play on Friday, he scored twice in three minutes, equalling that tally just over two games into the new season. The first was a perfectly timed run in behind to meet Cody Gakpo’s ball, following some quick passing from an Ipswich turnover, and a powerful finish at the near post. It bore some similarities to a goal he scored for Newcastle against Liverpool at St James’ Park in December 2024, except he beat ’keeper Kjell Scherpen at his near post for this one.The second saw Isak recalibrate his run in behind a couple of times before latching onto Gakpo’s trivela pass, staying composed as a defender and Scherpen got close before sliding a shot home with his left foot.Throughout that first half, there were encouraging moments between Isak, Gakpo and Florian Wirtz, forming triangles on the left to exchange quick passes. At times, he held his width to let the other two drift infield, while in other cases — like for a third finish just past the half-hour that was ruled out for offside — he pinned defenders in the box to open up pockets of space. There were moments where he led the press well, too.This version of Isak suits Iraola’s style, especially in these early stages of his reign, where clinical finishing can prove crucial.Anantaajith RaghuramanHas Liverpool’s Gakpo stance already been justified?Isn’t it funny how football works?Just a few days ago, Gakpo was beginning to wonder what life at Manchester City would be like if Liverpool agreed to a sale, as their £123million move for Bradley Barcola edged closer to completion.