Liverpool debut Slot era as great’s reminisce survives

Liverpool’s Arne Slot era has kicked off in style as the club records a 2-0 victory over newly promoted Ipswich Town.
Taking to the pitch for their first time in nine years without Juergen Klopp at the helm, Liverpool looked in strong form to lead the title challenge.
But Dutchman Slot’s enormous challenge to extend the Reds recent success encountered a slow start, as Ipswich came out soaring in the first 45 minutes.
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However, in true Liverpool fashion, a flowing play that saw Mohamed Salah partner with Trent Alexander-Arnold shortly after the hour mark, set Diogo Jota for the club’s first goal of the season.
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammates Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz. Getty
Salah followed with a close-range finish from Dominik Szoboszlai’s pass to record his ninth goal in the opening weekend of a Premier League season, more than any other player in the competitions history.
“If I see what he does to keep his body as it is and to be ready to play every game, I think there are many more years inside of him to play,” Slot said of Salah post-match.
“We as a team made a big change at halftime because we came out totally different to how we had come out in the first half.
“Second half, we won more duels, we won more second balls and we played more balls in behind because if the other team takes the risk of playing one-v-one and you have the likes of Luis Diaz, Mo Salah and Diogo Jota then use them, play the balls in behind.
“But if you’re OK with it, I am looking now at Brentford and not at the end of the season!”
Massimo Luongo and Omari Hutchinson of Ipswich under pressure from Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dominik Szoboszlai of Liverpool. Getty
Ipswich were playing their first game in the competition since 2002 after back-to-back promotions saw them enter the top-flight.
“I am proud. I think there are so many positives which we can build on for the season,” manager Kieran McKenna said.
“Of course most of those positives were in the first half, where there was so much to like about us that we’re going to need.”
Elsewhere, Arsenal dismissed Wolves 2-0 as they ignite their search for their first league title in 20 years.
Newcastle defied an early red card for Fabian Schar to defeat Southampton 1-nil, while Brighton thrashed Everton on the latter’s home soil 3-0 in what was manager Fabian Hurzeler’s debut match.