EPL: Liverpool earn hard-fought win against Ipswich in Slot’s first game

Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah found the net as Arne Slot’s tenure as Liverpool head coach began with a hard-fought victory over newly promoted Ipswich Town at a lively Portman Road.

Portuguese forward Jota capitalized on a well-orchestrated Liverpool play involving Salah and the impressive Trent Alexander-Arnold, side-footing Salah’s low cross past Ipswich goalkeeper Christian Walton shortly after the hour mark.

Liverpool doubled their lead just five minutes later, with Salah converting Dominik Szoboszlai’s pass to secure his ninth opening-day goal, setting a Premier League record.

In their first top-flight game in 22 years, Ipswich matched Slot’s team in the first half and came close to scoring before the break, with Jacob Greaves’ header and Omar Hutchinson’s low drive posing threats.

Liverpool, however, were much improved after the restart and should have taken the lead when Jota narrowly missed Alexander-Arnold’s precise cross early in the second half.

Jota redeemed himself moments later, and Salah’s goal sealed a narrow win, handing Ipswich their first home defeat in nearly 12 months.