Liverpool secures first league win amid penalty controversy

Liverpool finally have their first Premier League victory of the season on the board – but the 2-0 win at Ipswich Town has been overshadowed by a furious debate over a penalty that never was.

Alexander Isak’s ruthless double inside the opening 10 minutes at Portman Road settled the contest early and eased some of the early-season tension around Andoni Iraola’s side. Two chances, two goals, three points. Clinical, exactly what Liverpool had been missing.

Yet the scoreline didn’t tell the full story.

‘Nailed-on’ penalty flashpoint

Midway through the first half, with Liverpool already in control, Cody Gakpo drove into the Ipswich box and was wiped out by Abdul Fatawu. The winger arrived late, clattered into Gakpo, and left the forward on the turf appealing for a spot-kick.

Nothing. No whistle. No visit to the monitor.

For Keith Hackett, the former PGMOL chief, the decision was indefensible.

“This is a nailed-on penalty kick decision,” he told Football Insider. “The Ipswich player is so late with his foul challenge that I cannot believe that the referee has not pointed to the penalty mark.

“I understand that the PROref organisation want to see less interference by VAR. However, this non-award of a penalty kick by the referee meets the criteria for a clear and obvious error. VAR should have intervened.”

Liverpool had their win, but in Hackett’s eyes they were still short-changed.

Iraola hails reaction and fast start

Away from the controversy, Iraola cut a satisfied figure after finally seeing his side marry performance with result.

“Yes, very pleased with the win, obviously,” the Liverpool boss said. “We needed this win and as well with the performance – especially [in the] first half we have been a very good team. We put a lot of pressure to the opposition and I think we started really strong in the game.”

The emphasis was on learning, and on starting properly after recent stumbles.

“I think that we learned, probably, the lessons from the last two games where we conceded early goals and today we didn't want this to happen, and we were really strong in the first half.”

Liverpool pressed high, suffocated Ipswich’s build-up and struck early. This time, they were the ones landing the first blows.

Isak delivers, and wants more

Isak, the match-winner on paper and the difference-maker in reality, looked every inch the leading striker Iraola expects him to be.

“With Alex, if he's fit, if he's available, if he's in good shape, I think he will produce the numbers,” Iraola said. “My demands with Alex will not be about the goals, probably.

“It will be about other things, I will demand other things so we can play well and if we play well, we are in good positions, the goals will come. I think he has to contribute to the collective and when everyone helps, I think after the goals and the other stuff will come.”

Isak himself spoke like a player who knows this should be a starting point, not a peak.

“Obviously we were waiting for the first win and we were talking about starting the game good, which we haven't done recently. That was perfect for us to get two quick goals,” he said.

“I think we're starting to get the way that we want to play and be offensive and attack the defence. I think we showed that today. We scored two and we could have scored more.

“It's still early. I think we still have a lot to learn and it's game by game at this point.”

The goals are flowing for Isak, the first win is in the bank, and the system is beginning to take shape. The only question now: can Liverpool turn this contentious night at Portman Road into the launchpad for a serious season?