Liverpool vs Ipswich as it happened: Cody Gakpo scores twice as Reds ease to big win

Liverpool vs Ipswich LIVE

Liverpool cruised to victory over Ipswich to maintain their six point lead at the top of the Premier League table. Inside 11 minutes, the Reds were ahead as Dominik Szoboszlai received a pass from Ibrahima Konate and found himself in acres of space before cutting inside Kalvin Phillips to find the bottom corner with a fine left-footed strike.

Mohamed Salah doubled the lead to bring up his 19th Premier League goal of the campaign before Cody Gakpo rendered the game a non-contest with strikes either side of the break. His second was perhaps the best of the bunch thanks to a wonderful cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Jacob Greaves netted what proved to be a mere consolation for Ipswich in the 90th minute to deny Alisson Becker a clean sheet, but it’s three straight wins for the Reds across all competitions and they now turn their attentions to PSV Eindhoven in midweek and the chance to seal top spot in the Champions League league phase.

Liverpool vs Ipswich latest news

• GOAL! Greaves pulls one back

• GOAL! Alexander-Arnold provides superb assist for Gakpo's second

• GOAL! Gakpo makes it three

• GOAL! Salah doubles the lead

• GOAL! Szoboszlai breaks the deadlock

• Liverpool vs Ipswich not on TV

Gakpo reaction

17:16 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Liverpool’s two-goal hero Cody Gakpo has been speaking to the BBC:

"I really do love scoring here but the most important thing was the win today,” he said. "Everyone knows his quality [Trent Alexander-Arnold]. I was eager to be on time in the box [to meet his cross].

"Obviously we grow as a team. It's one year more [from last season]. We have a different manager, a slightly different style of play - more possession based.

"Everyone is in good form but we have to keep going."

Match report

17:12 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

It was easy for Liverpool against Ipswich Town this afternoon as they hit the Premier League strugglers for four.

Read our full match report right here!

FT: Liverpool 4-1 Ipswich

17:00 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

And there goes the full-time whistle.

In truth, this game was over a long time ago. Liverpool victorious, Cody Gakpo the standout player as the Reds maintain their six point lead at the top of the Premier League table.

GOAL! Liverpool 4-1 Ipswich | Jacob Greaves '90

16:55 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

90 min: Ipswich are leaving Anfield with something.

Poor defending from Liverpool at a corner, Jacob Greaves arrives on the scene to power the ball past Alisson.

Liverpool 4-0 Ipswich

16:50 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

85 min: Another Liverpool change as Luis Diaz is replaced by Chiesa.

Liverpool 4-0 Ipswich

16:49 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

84 min: WHAT A SAVE!

Alisson proving why he’s considered the best goalkeeper in the Premier League as he gets down low to keep out Hirst’s effort.

Liverpool 4-0 Ipswich

16:45 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

80 min: Julio Enciso has barely been on the pitch for a minute and he’s already into the book for crashing into Endo.

Liverpool 4-0 Ipswich

16:44 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

79 min: My word, Liverpool are 4-0 up but Arne Slot brings on Jayden Danns, an attacker, for Alexis Mac Allister, a midfielder.

Liverpool 4-0 Ipswich

16:43 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

78 min: Triple change for Ipswich

Julio Enciso is on for his debut along with Broadhead and Hirst.

Delap, Jaden and Hutchinson make way.

Liverpool 4-0 Ipswich

16:41 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

76 min: Oh Walton, you lucky goalkeeper.

After spilling the ball, he’s fortunate a teammate is alert inside the box to bail him out.

He is then beaten by Trent Alexander-Arnold’s effort but the post comes to his rescue this time.

Liverpool 4-0 Ipswich

16:39 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

74 min: Almost a goal of the season contender from Trent Alexander-Arnold as his strike from range whistles just past the post.

He’s certainly stepped things up after the break.

Liam Delap is booked for fouling Endo.

Liverpool 4-0 Ipswich

16:37 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

73 min: Despite playing this second half in second gear, when Liverpool push forward they look capable of scoring.

Liverpool 4-0 Ipswich

16:33 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

67 min: 4-0 up and Arne Slot decides to make some changes.

Harvey Elliott, Darwin Nunez and Wataru Endo are on for Szoboszlai, Gravenberch and Gakpo.

GOAL! Liverpool 4-0 Ipswich | Cody Gakpo '65

16:30 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

65 min: WHAT AN ASSIST

Trent Alexander-Arnold does what he does best, picks out Cody Gakpo with a brilliant cross and the Liverpool striker simply can’t miss.

The goal was checked by VAR for a potential offside, but it stands!

Liverpool 3-0 Ipswich

16:25 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

61 min: As things stand, Liverpool are eight points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

That is because Arsenal are being held by Wolves and Nottingham Forest are losing to Bournemouth.

Still a long way to go.

Liverpool 3-0 Ipswich

16:24 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

58 min: Another penalty shout!

Ben Johnson’s cross hits Alexis Mac Allister on the arm but that’s never a penalty.

Omari Hutchinson does force Alisson into a save, a routine one, but a save nonetheless.

Liverpool 3-0 Ipswich

16:18 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

53 min: Liam Delap certainly feels he should have had a penalty and he’s demanding an explanation from the referee.

Liverpool 3-0 Ipswich

16:17 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

52 min: PENALTY SHOUT

It’s Liam Delap going down under a challenge from Ibrahima Konate again.

On this occasion, the Ipswich striker seems to have a stronger case but his appeals are waved away immediately.

Liverpool 3-0 Ipswich

16:11 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

48 min: Liverpool straight on the attack, Luis Diaz shows great trickery but just can’t lay the ball off for a teammate.

Moments later, Mohamed Salah slips in Szoboszlai who flashes the ball across the face of goal but there aren’t any takers.

Liverpool 3-0 Ipswich

16:09 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Back underway at Anfield.

Ipswich have made a change as Townsend has replaced Davis.

Liverpool 3-0 Ipswich

15:54 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

45+6 min: What an effort!

Szoboszlai is inches away from adding a fourth in the final action of the half.

The Reds are cruising here.

Liverpool 3-0 Ipswich

15:52 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

45+5 min: Ipswich are just trying to get to half-time with the scoreline as it is.

Liverpool aren’t letting up though. Great cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold for Luis Diaz but the forward can’t turn the ball home.

Liverpool 3-0 Ipswich

15:47 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

45 min: Seven minutes of stoppage time have been indicated.

That is due to Wes Burns’ injury.

GOAL! Liverpool 3-0 Ipswich | Cody Gakpo '43

15:46 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

43 min: LIVERPOOL MAKE IT THREE

And there’s the third. Cody Gakpo is on hand to convert the rebound after Walton had saved from Szoboszlai.

Liverpool 2-0 Ipswich

15:45 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

42 min: It’s all Liverpool at the moment, they’re really pushing Ipswich back. Wouldn’t be a surprise if they grab a third before half-time.

Right on cue, Trent Alexander-Arnold gives the ball away and that allows the visitors to regroup.

Liverpool 2-0 Ipswich

15:42 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

39 min: PENALTY?

Liam Delap stumbles in the box under a challenge from Ibrahima Konate but nothing is given.

In fairness, the Ipswich striker didn’t have a strong appeal.

Liverpool 2-0 Ipswich

15:40 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

38 min: That’s 19 Premier League goals this season for Mohamed Salah.

Still enough time in this game to reach 20!

GOAL! Liverpool 2-0 Ipswich | Mohamed Salah '34

15:37 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

34 min: Liverpool score and you just know who has found the back of the net.

Of course it’s Mohamed Salah.

He takes one touch to control Cody Gakpo’s cross before firing the ball past Walton at his near post.

Liverpool 1-0 Ipswich

15:35 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

32 min: Trademark Mohamed Salah effort which is headed away, Ipswich then look to counter with Liam Delap but he is well marshalled by Ibrahima Konate.

Liverpool 1-0 Ipswich

15:33 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

31 min: Straight swap for Ipswich as Johnson is operating down the right-hand side. He will have a lot of defensive work to get through.

Liverpool 1-0 Ipswich

15:30 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

29 min: Unfortunately, Wes Burns cannot continue. The Ipswich winger is taken off on a stretcher and replaced by Ben Johnson.

Liverpool 1-0 Ipswich

15:28 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

26 mins: Dominik Szoboszlai celebrates opening the scoring for Liverpool.

Liverpool 1-0 Ipswich

15:26 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

23 min: Sore one for Wes Burns as he makes a block tackle on Cody Gakpo but has come off worse.

Down and requiring treatment.

Liverpool 1-0 Ipswich

15:23 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

20 min: Great play from Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai in midfield, the former takes over, strides forward and shoots but drags his effort wide of the post.

Liverpool 1-0 Ipswich

15:21 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

18 min: Ipswich force a corner. First chance to lay a glove on Liverpool.

The delivery is good but Alisson is impeded and earns himself a free-kick.

Liverpool 1-0 Ipswich

15:18 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

15 min: Mohamed Salah twists and turns past Davis but the Ipswich defender does really well to recover quickly and snuff out the danger.

Liverpool 1-0 Ipswich

15:17 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

14 min: Great start for Liverpool and they may have doubled their lead through Mohamed Salah but he couldn’t get clean contact on the ball.

GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 Ipswich | Dominik Szoboszlai '10

15:14 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

10 min: GOALLLLLL

Just as Ipswich were looking rather comfortable, Dominik Szoboszlai breaks the deadlock.

The Hungarian picks up the ball, cuts inside and fires a left-footed shot past Walton and into the bottom corner.

Liverpool 0-0 Ipswich

15:11 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

10 mins: As you’d expect, it’s been all Liverpool so far but Christian Walton hasn’t had a save to make of note.

Liverpool 0-0 Ipswich

15:09 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

6 min: Brief moment of concern for the Liverpool fans as Virgil van Dijk appeared to be struggling but the Dutchman is fine.

Robertson then sees his cross deflected before Konate’s cross into the box goes out for a goal kick.

Liverpool 0-0 Ipswich

15:06 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

4 min: Ibrahima Konate has his name chanted by the Anfield faithful as he steps in to cut out Davis’ attempted pass to Delap.

Liverpool 0-0 Ipswich

15:05 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

3 min: Liverpool have conceded the first goal in their last three home games in the Premier League.

Arne Slot will want that trend to end today.

Liverpool 0-0 Ipswich

15:03 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

1 min: Cody Gakpo wastes no time in getting a shot away after cutting in on to his right foot. However, his effort flies over the bar following good work from Andy Robertson.

KICK-OFF!

15:01 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

We are underway in this Premier League clash.

Here we go!

14:57 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

The Players have emerged from the tunnel area and out onto the pitch.

Time for the player handshakes and then kick-off.

How it stands

14:53 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Liverpool will end the day top of the Premier League table.

But their six point lead will be extended if they win and Arsenal and Nottingham Forest both fail to win.

Ipswich can move out of the bottom three with a win coupled with Wolves failing to beat the Gunners.

14:50 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Not long now!

Less than 10 minutes to go until kick-off at Anfield!

Enciso announcement

14:45 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Julio Enciso has to wait for his Ipswich Town debut, but his shirt number has been revealed...

Arrivals

14:40 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

The Liverpool squad are in the house...

Landmark appearance for Virgil van Dijk

14:35 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is making his 300th appearance for the club this afternoon.

No doubt he will be after three points and a clean sheet to celebrate.

Around the grounds

14:30 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

No early game in the Premier League today, which means four other 3pm BST kick-offs and a huge fixture in the evening slot.

Bournemouth vs Nottingham Forest

Brighton vs Everton

Southampton vs Newcastle

Wolves vs Arsenal

Manchester City vs Chelsea (5.30pm)

Ipswich on the road

14:25 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Ipswich have won more Premier League games on the road than they have at Portman Road so far this season.

A rather unusual feat for a newly-promoted team as many will have expected them to garner the majority of their points at home.

Their two away wins have come against Tottenham and Wolves, whilst picking up points against Southampton, Brighton and Fulham.

Liverpool home form

14:20 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Liverpool have only lost once at home across all competitions this season.

However, in the Premier League they’ve drawn two of their last three games at Anfield.

Liam Delap challenge

14:15 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Ipswich striker Liam Delap has enjoyed a fine season thus far.

Eight goals in 21 Premier League appearances is certainly a respectable return and he gave the Chelsea backline a torrid time in Town’s 2-0 win at Portman Road last month.

However, this afternoon he’s up against two of the very best central defenders in the Premier League right now in Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.

Liverpool dressing room

14:10 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Behind the scenes at Anfield as Liverpool's dressing room is prepared ahead of kick-off.

Ipswich changes

14:05 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

It’s also five changes for Ipswich, with Axel Tuanzebe, Jacob Greaves, Kalvin Phillips, Wes Burns and Jaden Philogene all coming in to the starting XI.

New signing Julio Enciso is on the bench as he awaits his Town debut.

Liverpool changes

14:00 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Make that five changes for Liverpool this afternoon.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Andrew Robertson, Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo are all back in.

They should be fresh too!

Ipswich team in full

13:55 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Ipswich XI: Walton, Tuanzebe, O’Shea, Greaves, Davis, Morsy (C), Phillips, Burns, Hutchinson, Jaden, Delap.

Subs: Muric, Johnson, Townsend, Godfrey, Taylor, Luongo, Enciso, Broadhead, Hirst.

Liverpool team in full

13:50 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Diaz

Subs: Kelleher, Endo, Nunez, Chiesa, Elliott, Tsimikas, Danns, Quansah, Bradley

Ipswich team news

13:45 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

...and for the away side

Liverpool XI

13:45 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Here is the team Arne Slot has selected to face Ipswich...

Team news imminent

13:40 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

We are expecting the team news to be announced shortly.

The big questions from a Liverpool perspective is will Ibrahima Konate be passed fit and who leads the line?

Answers are imminent...

Harvey Elliott chance?

13:35 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Harvey Elliott has made quite the impact for Liverpool of late.

He helped change the game against Brentford last week before scoring the winner in the Champions League tie with Lille a few days ago.

All that whilst coming off the bench. Will he get the chance to impress from the start this afternoon?

Kieran McKenna demands a response

13:30 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna has called for his side to show character against Liverpool as they look to bounce back from that heavy drubbing at home to Manchester City.

"We’ve got Liverpool away next which is another massive challenge," he told reporters. "We need to show an incredible amount of character this week at the training ground and then when we go to Anfield. That’s exactly what we’re going to try and do."

Planned goal celebration

13:25 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Mohamed Salah hasn't scored in his last two Premier League outings, and that feels like a mini drought given his outstanding form so far this season.

However, if he finds the back of the net this afternoon, there might be a new celebration on show...

Slot expecting tough test

13:20 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Despite Ipswich Town’s lowly position in the Premier League table, Arne Slot is not taking them lightly.

When the two sides met on the opening weekend of the season, Liverpool needed two second half goals to secure three points and the Dutchman is expecting another difficult game.

“Ipswich gave us a really difficult first half but we managed the situation much better in the second half and were ultimately able to show our quality,” he said.

“This was definitely a game which underlined the saying that there are no easy fixtures in the Premier League. Ipswich made such a fight of it and made it so difficult for us that we had to search within ourselves to find the answers.

“Ultimately, we were able to do so but we should not expect today’s game to be any less challenging, particularly as Ipswich have improved and become more experienced at this level since the first weekend of the season.”

Predicted Liverpool XI

13:15 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Diogo Jota picked up an issue during the 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest last week and will also sit the game out, along with Curtis Jones and Joe Gomez.

Ibrahima Konate is a slight doubt to start for Liverpool after a knock to his knee.

But the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo were all rested against Lille and should return here.

Predicted Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Diaz

Arne Slot on exciting football

13:10 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Liverpool are the highest scores in the Premier League this season (50) but have naturally slightly changed their style of play after the departure of Jurgen Klopp at the end of last season.

While Klopp also developed his brand of football throughout his time at Anfield, the German is widely recognised for the “heavy metal” approach he installed at both Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool.

Slot’s side will be strongly expected to pick up another big victory when Liverpool play Ipswich at home on Saturday but the Reds boss stresses his team won’t be taking any big risks, with the focus instead on control.

Read his full quotes here!

Anfield is ready

13:05 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Looks like a fine day for football, blue skies and the Anfield pitch in very good condition.

Liverpool vs Ipswich match odds

13:00 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Liverpool to win: 1/12

Draw: 7/1

Ipswich to win: 8/1

Odds via Betfair (subject to change).

Liverpool vs Ipswich: Head to head (h2h) history and results

12:55 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Liverpool wins: 38

Draws: 21

Ipswich wins: 14

Liverpool won the reverse fixture at Portman Road on the opening weekend of the season.

Though, this is the first Premier League meeting at Anfield between the two sides since May 2002!

On that occasion, the Reds strolled to a 5-0 win with John Arne Riise (2), Michael Owen, Vladimir Smicer and Nicolas Anelka all on the scoresheet.

Standard Sport Prediction

12:50 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Liverpool will rightly be wondering how many they could score after seeing a supposedly struggling Man City side put six past Ipswich last weekend. A relatively rotated side in midweek means the Reds will be somewhat refreshed, and that will go a long way.

Arsenal are playing at the same time - a rarity this season - and Slot will want to make sure his team’s six-point lead at the top of the table is at least intact come 5pm.

Liverpool to win, 3-0.

Ipswich team news

12:45 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Ipswich will have midfield loanee Kalvin Phillips available again, after he was unable to face parent club Manchester City last time out.

Meanwhile, Julio Enciso could make his debut following his loan move from Brighton.

Liverpool team news

12:40 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Curtis Jones picked up an injury in the win over Lille in midweek and will miss the game but Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch's substitutions were pre-planned so the pair will be fit.

Ibrahima Konate is a slight doubt to start with a minor knock to his knee, with Diogo Jota and Joe Gomez both out.

How to follow Liverpool vs Ipswich

12:35 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

TV channel: The game will not be broadcast in the UK because of the Saturday 3pm blackout rule in England.

LIVE coverage: You can follow all the action via Standard Sport’s live blog.

Welcome

12:29 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Good afternoon and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Liverpool vs Ipswich Town.

After back-to-back away games in the Premier League, the Reds return to Anfield as they go in search of a win to maintain their six point lead at the top of the table.

Liverpool will be expected to claim all three points over an Ipswich side that shipped six at home to Manchester City last weekend.

Kick-off at Anfield is at 3pm GMT.

Stay tuned for all the build-up.