Liverpool maintained their six-point lead at the top of the Premier League with a simple win over Ipswich this afternoon.
The visitors have now conceded 10 goals in two games since their 6-0 thrashing by Manchester City last week and were, in effect, hopelessly out of contention at Anfield as Arne Slot’s men cruised to victory without getting out of second gear .
Cody Gakpo continued his fine season with a brace, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Mohamed Salah also on target.
Jacob Greaves pulled one back late on but the 18th-placed Tractor Boys remain deep in relegation trouble.
+3 points ✅ pic.twitter.com/AcE0wQQ6ka
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 25, 2025
Szoboszlai puts the Reds ahead
Ipswich held their own in a low-key opening until Szoboszlai broke the deadlock with the first serious chance for either side after 11 minutes.
Hungary’s captain played by Ibrahima Konate overcame a challenge and fired in a low shot in lower right corner.
It was too easy from Ipswich’s point of view with Szoboszlai finding plenty of space to operate.
Kieran McKenna made five changes after the defeat to City, but one of the signings, Wes Burns, lasted just 26 minutes before going off with a serious injury.
The Wales international was stretchered off and Ipswich’s afternoon took another turn when Salah doubled Liverpool’s advantage nine minutes later.
Gakpo was the creator with a cross from the left and Salah did the rest, controlling the ball immediately before slotting past Christian Walton for his 100th Premier League goal at Anfield.
It was 3-0 before half-time with Ipswich offering no resistance.
Ryan Gravenberch pounced on a dangerous ball from the right that Szoboszlai turned towards goal. Walton made a good save, but Gakpo was on hand to turn in the rebound.
Too easy for Liverpool
The second half was a rollercoaster ride for the home side with the game as good as it ended at the break.
The tension dropped, although Liverpool remained on top.
The fourth goal arrived after 66 minutes with Gakpo again on target. Trent Alexander-Arnold curled in a trademark cross and the Dutchman raced past his marker to slot past Walton.
TA🅰️ 🤝 C⚽️MON pic.twitter.com/HUgVmbFo6G
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 25, 2025
Alexander-Arnold almost got in on the act, but his effort from 25 yards went wide of the uprights with Walton to beat, before he went even closer four minutes later with a shot that bounced off the right post.
Alisson was finally called into serious action after 84 minutes with a smart stop to deny George Hirst, but the Brazil international was beaten in the final minute, Greaves nodding debutant Julio Encisco into the net.
2025-01-25 20:11:00
