There was resounding reward for Liverpool after their 2-0 victory at Ipswich, with new head coach Arne Slot‘s facet impressing on the opening day.
The Reds weren’t at their finest within the first half at Portman Street however an excellent second-half efficiency noticed them discover one other gear.
Diogo Jota completed from shut vary to open the scoring earlier than Mohamed Salah doubled Liverpool’s benefit quickly after.
Right here’s how the media reacted to the Reds’ opening-day win.
There was lots to be optimistic about
John Brewin of the Guardian centered on the skilled nature of Liverpool’s victory as they grew in stature:
“There was to be no Suffolk sucker punch. Arne Slot’s Premier League bow with Liverpool was safely negotiated, avoiding the destiny that befell Brendan Rodgers in 2012, a 3-0 defeat to West Brom.
“Jurgen Klopp’s October 2015 debut was a 0-0 draw with Tottenham remembered for the vigour of his gamers. How will this be recalled? In all probability with blended emotions.
“After a primary half the place a circumspect, gradual buildup Liverpool had been steadily caught chilly by Ipswich enjoying superior, much more creative soccer, one thing like regular service was resumed by a crew enjoying a direct model slightly like that below Klopp.”
On X, David Lynch additionally loved what he noticed, describing the second half efficiency as “sensational”:
“Liverpool sensational in that second half and absolutely deserving of an ideal begin to the season.
“The slickness of their play vastly encouraging but additionally the very fact they so simply shrugged off such a patchy first 45 minutes.
“Arne Slot might be delighted.”
Karl Matchett of the Impartial felt Liverpool had been worthy of the three factors, as they made essentially the most of more room opening up after the break:
“This was removed from a procession for Liverpool and but a match they had been completely the stronger, extra dominant facet in as soon as the whole lot was thought of.
“That, together with two different components, is essentially why they ended up with the three factors after Ipswich marked their return to the Premier League with a efficiency of actual perception and vigour, if a slight lack of final-third presence.
“Slot’s crew nonetheless – early as it’s in his tenure after minimal preseason matches – had two new components which noticed them fend off the house facet’s strain and make their very own high quality depend: a much-greater emphasis on enjoying in central areas round and in entrance of the opposition’s defence, and significantly extra endurance in making the openings they sought.”
The Every day Mail‘s Lewis Steele was one other who was left enamoured by what he noticed from the Reds in East Anglia, lauding their recreation administration:
“The Arne Slot period begins in model. A little bit of a gradual first half however glorious after the break.
“Diogo Jota scientific, Mo Salah sharp, Trent Alexander-Arnold doing what he does finest. Environment right here was electrical and Liverpool weathered that completely.”
The Mirror‘s Mark Jones claimed that the affect of Trent Alexander-Arnold was an enormous motive for Liverpool ultimately prevailing:
“Alexander-Arnold abruptly turned it on as Liverpool stepped it up within the second half to ultimately overwhelm Ipswich and create probabilities at will.
“He was closely concerned in nice probabilities for Diaz and Jota earlier than the latter’s purpose, which happened after an excellent cross from the No.66 to Salah.
“It was simply one other reminder of the excellent high quality of Liverpool’s vice-captain , and whereas there continues to be the noise round potential incomings to Liverpool this summer time, their most vital enterprise stays his new contract.”
It was onerous to not deal with one other record-breaking afternoon for Salah
Jones paid particular reward to Liverpool’s legendary No.11, as his astonishing Reds profession continues:
“So many pre-season articles and predictions appeared to focus elsewhere, however you write Salah off at your peril.
“That’s now a Premier League report 9 opening day targets for the Egyptian, who might have had extra right here and likewise acquired an help.
“Like Alexander-Arnold he’s after all into the ultimate 12 months of his contract, however speak of Salah’s decline has been significantly exaggerated, and he’ll once more be his facet’s main man on what seems prefer it’s going to be one other thrilling season with a brand new man on the helm.”
Mohamed Salah now has 300 purpose involvements (212 targets, 88 assists) in all competitions for Liverpool after 350 video games. ??? pic.twitter.com/UT9wQuLjLY
— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) August 17, 2024
Slot clearly thinks there’s lots extra to come back from Salah, too, telling the media after the sport:
“While you see the best way he takes care of his physique, there are various extra years within him to play.”
