Two Stunning Finishes: Alexander Isak Claims Liverpool’s Man of the Match

By Steven Smith
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Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool: Premier League Man of the Match

Alexander Isak

This was a Man of the Match award built upon exactly what the team needed. The goals were vital to building a lead and giving the visitors something to work with, but this was not a comfortable evening for Liverpool. Ipswich worked tirelessly and pushed the European giants all the way, making this a game where Liverpool needed their big players to produce moments of genuine quality.

Alexander Isak did exactly that.

The Swedish striker was ultimately the difference between the two sides, producing two goals of the highest quality to secure Liverpool’s first Premier League victory of the campaign. It was the sort of performance Liverpool signed him for, with his finishing, movement and individual quality proving decisive when the game was still there to be won.

Isak Produces Two Moments of Brilliance

Both goals by the former Newcastle man were elite in execution, although they came in very different ways.

The first was power and world-class in equal measure. Isak showed the confidence and technique required to take the opportunity on, striking the ball with authority and giving the Ipswich goalkeeper very little chance. It was a finish that demonstrated exactly why Liverpool were prepared to invest so heavily in bringing him to Anfield.

The second was perhaps even more impressive.

It was sublime and wonderful because of the control and awareness involved. Isak had to remain composed, assess the situation in front of him and execute the finish with the sort of calmness expected from an elite striker. There was no panic and no wasted movement. He simply found the solution.

That is what separates the very best forwards from the rest.

Liverpool had chances to put the game beyond doubt earlier, but Isak’s two moments of brilliance ensured that the Reds had enough of a cushion to withstand Ipswich’s attempts to fight their way back into the contest.

This was also important psychologically. After two draws from their opening two Premier League fixtures, Liverpool desperately needed a victory. Isak provided it.

Mac Allister Shows His Legs Have Returned

Alexis Mac Allister was also very good as he held the midfield together and deserves considerable credit for the way Liverpool controlled important periods of the match.

There had been suggestions that Mac Allister’s legs had departed him. However, they appear to have returned now that the new head coach is training this elite group fully.

That is an important development for Liverpool.

Mac Allister looked sharper, more involved and more capable of influencing the game across the pitch. His ability to receive possession under pressure, move the ball intelligently and compete physically gave Liverpool a much-needed platform.

But ultimately, this was Isak’s night.

Two outstanding finishes, three points and Liverpool’s first win of the season.

That is precisely what a £100m-plus striker is supposed to deliver.

Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction:

Ipswich 1–3 Liverpool

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