Alexander Isak scored twice in a devastating nine-minute spell as Liverpool secured a 2-0 Premier League victory over Ipswich Town, ending the hosts’ impressive 21-match unbeaten run at Portman Road. His quickfire double was the fastest brace by a Liverpool player in the league since 2011.

Liverpool had yet to take the lead in a match this season, but that changed almost immediately as they made a fast start in Suffolk, breaking the deadlock in the sixth minute.

After a late transfer setback, Cody Gakpo appeared fully focused on the task at hand. The Dutch forward produced a perfectly weighted through ball for Isak, who showed his composure to fire past the goalkeeper at the near post and give the visitors the advantage.

Just three minutes later, Gakpo and Isak combined again to extend Liverpool’s lead. Isak cleverly worked his way past Jacob Greaves before latching onto a superb outside-of-the-foot pass and calmly slotting the ball beyond Kjell Scherpen.

The two-goal burst gave Liverpool complete control of the contest and highlighted the immediate attacking chemistry between their new-look forward line.

Dominik Szoboszlai soon tested Scherpen with a powerful effort from the edge of the penalty area, with the goalkeeper forced into action three times from similar positions before half-time.

Ipswich eventually began to pose some attacking danger, and Leif Davis came close to adding to the goal he scored at Old Trafford last week. The defender found space at the back post but could only head his effort wide of the target.

However, Ipswich continued to look vulnerable defensively, and Isak appeared to have completed his first-half hat-trick after being played through by an excellent pass from Florian Wirtz. His effort, though, was ruled out for a marginal offside.

Liverpool almost produced another fast start after the interval, with Alexis Mac Allister wasting a good opportunity from a Szoboszlai corner. The midfielder met the delivery but could only head straight at Scherpen.

Andoni Iraola was given an unnecessary moment of concern when Jeremy Jacquet received a needless yellow card before appearing to make another awkward challenge on Emersonn moments later. Referee Darren England, however, opted not to award a free-kick.

A hat-trick was not to be for Isak, who was taken off shortly after the hour mark. His departure paved the way for new signing Bradley Barcola to make an impact, with the winger immediately exciting the travelling supporters with a brilliant weaving run after coming on.

VAR appeared ready to intervene when Szoboszlai went down inside the penalty area, but the Hungarian had been offside earlier in the move, meaning Ipswich escaped further punishment and remained within touching distance.

The hosts were unable to take advantage of that reprieve and rarely threatened to alter the outcome. A deflected effort from Jack Clarke briefly caused concern for Alisson Becker, but Liverpool remained in control.

The victory ensured Liverpool avoided a run of seven matches without a win for only the second time in their history, while also extending their unbeaten record against newly promoted sides to 21 games, including 16 wins and five draws.

After making a dream start against Sunderland, Ipswich have now been brought back down to earth, suffering consecutive defeats by an aggregate score of 7-2.