Cody Gakpo provided the assists for both of Alexander Isak’s goals as Liverpool took a 2-0 half-time lead against Ipswich Town.
Isak scored twice inside the opening nine minutes, while Gakpo’s two assists quickly became a talking point among Liverpool supporters and former defender Jamie Carragher.
Gakpo Creates Liverpool’s Early Lead
Liverpool did not need long to find a way through at Portman Road. Isak opened the scoring in the sixth minute after Gakpo provided the final ball, giving Liverpool an early lead. The pair combined again three minutes later, with Gakpo providing another assist for Isak to score Liverpool’s second goal.
The striker’s quick double put Liverpool 2-0 ahead before Ipswich could settle after the opener. Liverpool’s official team news confirmed Gakpo and Isak in the starting XI at Portman Road.
They were joined by Florian Wirtz, Víctor Muñoz, Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister in Liverpool’s attack.
Alexander Isak Delivers Two Clinical Finishes
Isak’s role in the first-half display was more obvious, but no less important. The Sweden international scored twice in three minutes, finishing both chances created by Gakpo. Liverpool have needed a reliable final touch in attacking areas, and Isak supplied it when the chances came.
The reaction to Isak is naturally centred on his finishing. One fan described the £125 million outlay as a bargain, with his two clinical goals giving Liverpool an early advantage.
Liverpool remain 2-0 ahead at half-time, with the second half still to come.
Gakpo’s Assists Put Him at Centre of Liverpool Reaction
Supporters responding during the match focused on Gakpo’s contribution. One Liverpool fan, James, posted: "125m absolute bargain!! Isak 2-0. 2 great passes from Gakpo."
Jamie Carragher also praised Gakpo’s performance after Liverpool’s quick start.
“Barcola is going to struggle to get a game with this version of Gakpo,” Carragher wrote on X after Liverpool went 2-0 ahead. "Cody Gakpo under Iraola literally feels like a new signing. He’s been exceptional this season" Carragher added.
"3 assists and a goal in just short of 200 minutes of football this season: again you consider the offer from Manchester City for Cody Gakpo and wonder why Liverpool ever gave it any consideration."
"So Gakpo… it was true that he is basically like a new signing under Iraola after all. Absolutely loving what I’ve seen from him so far. Looks confident, sharp and full of belief he’s been class."
"This Cody Gakpo revenge era tour has been marvellous to watch. He’s making a lot of Liverpool fans who wrote him off eat their words."
"Nah Liverpool almost sold their best attacker to a direct rival. Are you seeing this Gakpo assists"
"Not selling Gakpo might genuinely be one of the best decisions we’ve made in years."
