Arne Slot’s Liverpool returned to Premier League action knowing the visit of Ipswich provided a mouth-watering opportunity to extend the lead at the top of the pile.
The Tractor Boys arrived at Anfield having been battered 6-0 by Manchester City on their home turf, and confidence naturally was at an all time low.
Liverpool did what they do best, and wasted little time in smelling blood. An evening on Merseyside quickly became very ugly for the top flight’s newcomers. Express Sport runs the rule over the player ratings…
Alisson Becker – Was lucky not to rust-up, given how little of him was asked. Produced the goods whenever needed. 7
Andy Robertson – Back to his better levels, given the criticism levelled at him in recent weeks. Attacked with focus and tracked his man diligently. 7
Virgil van Dijk – Imperial, as ever. Marshalled the back line and was happy with the efforts of his underlings. Showed Liam Delap that much more needs to be done to cut it against the best. 8
Ibrahima Konate – Played with a lot of physicality and was lucky on a few occasions not to have given freekicks away in dangerous positions. Putting his everything on the line for this title charge, despite not being fully fit. 7
Trent Alexander-Arnold – An effortlessly impressive performance. Oozed class, notched another assist and looked a league above all of his opponents today. 8
Ryan Gravenberch – His footwork seemingly gets better by the week, which speaks volumes for such an accomplished footballer. Knows he is one of the first names on the team sheet now, and that confidence has done him the world of good. 8
Alexis Mac Allister – Never puts in a bad offering in the Liverpool midfield. Plugged the gaps, rushed Ipswich on the counter and showed everyone on the pitch exactly how a first touch should be. 8
Dominik Szoboszlai – His best showing for some time. A combination of raw power, energy and awareness. Took his goal with aplomb and really set the tone early on. Inventive before being given a well-earned rest. 9
Mohamed Salah – Did everything required of him. A quieter game by Salah standards, but still added to his goal tally. Says it all. 7
Cody Gakpo – The man Slot can always turn to to make something happen. Took up remarkable positions all afternoon, and Ipswich couldn’t deal with him. A cut above the Tractor Boys’ talent pool. 8
Luis Diaz – Wowed the Anfield masses with his trademark south American footwork, but a slightly frustrating afternoon for the Colombian. Would’ve wanted to be more in the thick of the action, given how dominant Liverpool were. Didn’t get his slice of the cake, but tracked back well. 7
Substitutes
Wataru Endo (for Gravenberch) – 6
Darwin Nunez (for Gakpo) – 6
Harvey Elliott (for Szoboszlai) – 6
Jayden Danns (for Mac Allister) – 6
