Premier League: Liverpool start Arne Slot era with Ipswich scalp
Liverpool blanked Ipswich Town 2-0 to start their Premier League 2024-25 season on a high. Second-half goals from Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah handed the Reds three important points as they begun the Arne Slot era on a sound note. Notably, Slot was appointed manager after Jurgen Klopp announced his decision to leave the club. Here are the key stats and details.
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Hosts Ipswich the better side in the first half
It was an encouraging start to life back in the Premier League from the hosts. They had the best of the chances with Jacob Greaves and Omari Hutchinson testing Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson. Liverpool struggled to match Ipswich's intensity and didn't offer much. Ipswich could have been down to 10 men with Wes Burns on a yellow card, hitting the ball away with his arm.
Stats from the first half
Ipswich managed two shots on target with the Reds failing to open their account in this regard. Ipswich had 0.32 expected goals to the Reds' 0.11. Both teams had 7 touches each in the opposition half. Liverpool dominated ball possession.
Liverpool score two quickfire goals in 2nd half
Liverpool scored in the 60th minute with their first shot on target of the game. A finely weighted pass from Mohamed Salah in the box rolled into Jota's path who scored. Five minutes later, Salah was on the scoresheet himself. A neat lay-off from Dominik Szoboszlai saw the former skip the ball over the Ipswich keeper. Liverpool were in control thereafter.
Salah makes Premier League history
As per Opta, Salah now has the most goals (9) on matchday 1 and goal involvements (14) in Premier League history. Salah scored his 158th Premier League goal, including 156 for the Reds. He also raced to 70 assists. Overall, Salah owns 212 goals and 88 assists for the Reds in all competitions. He made his 350th appearance for the club.
Jota shines for Liverpool
Making his 165th Premier League appearance, former Wolves forward Jota netted his 58th Premier League goal. He is now involved in 75 Premier League goals (18 assists). Overall, Jota owns 57 goals in 146 appearances for the Reds.
Here are the match stats
Liverpool made 19 attempts with 5 shots on target. Ipswich had 7 attempts with two shots on target. Liverpool had 49 touches in the opposition box compared to their opponent's 17. Liverpool clocked 62% ball possession.
Massive records for the Reds
Liverpool are unbeaten in their 12 opening matches in the Premier League (W9 D3). Liverpool's last defeat on matchday one was in 2012-13. Salah has now scored and assisted in 32 different Premier League matches with only Wayne Rooney owning a better tally (36). Slot is just the second Liverpool manager in the Premier League era to record a victory on his league debut.
