LIVERPOOL, UK:
Liverpool’s new coach, Arne Slot, began his tenure with a 2-0 victory over newly-promoted Ipswich Town in the Premier League on Saturday, thanks to second-half goals from Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah. The match, held at Portman Road, saw Ipswich supported by their new minority shareholder, singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, who watched from the stands.
In the first half, Ipswich put up a strong fight against Liverpool, creating several chances but failing to convert them. However, Slot’s Liverpool side showed significant improvement after the break. Jota opened the scoring on the hour mark, capitalising on a well-placed pass from Trent Alexander-Arnold, which Salah cleverly squared for the Portuguese forward to finish.
Just five minutes later, Liverpool doubled their lead. Salah, making his 350th appearance for the club, completed a smooth attacking move initiated by Dominik Szoboszlai, effectively sealing the win and quelling any hope of an Ipswich comeback.
Liverpool had further opportunities to extend their lead, but the two goals proved sufficient to secure the win, giving Slot a positive start to his managerial career at Anfield. Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Salah expressed his satisfaction with the result, saying, “Hopefully I keep going like this for the whole season. I always try to help the team, whether by scoring goals or providing assists.”
Reflecting on the changes under Slot, Salah acknowledged the need for adaptation, stating, “It’s quite different for all of us playing under Slot. We need to adapt, understand his style, and enjoy the football. There’s no need to put extra pressure on him; we just need to play and enjoy our games.”
Slot took over from Juergen Klopp, who left Liverpool at the end of last season after an illustrious tenure that included winning the Champions League and ending the club’s 30-year wait for a league title. Despite a quiet pre-season without any new signings, Liverpool’s performance, particularly in the second half, suggested that Slot’s influence is beginning to take effect.
Salah’s goal in this match extended his record as the player with the most goals in the opening rounds of Premier League seasons. At 32, he continues to be a pivotal figure for Liverpool as they aim for another title challenge this season.
