Jota and Salah get Slot off to a winning start
Arne Slot got off to a winning start at Liverpool as the Reds kick-started their 2024-2025 Premier League campaign with a 2-0 defeat of Ipswich Town.
Ipswich impressed in flashes in its first Premier League match since 2002, but Liverpool ultimately had too much as the Slot era began with a comfortable triumph at Portman Road.
The goals came in quick succession – Diogo Jota opening the scoring on the hour with a composed close-range finish.
Having supplied the assist for Liverpool’s opener, Mohamed Salah got in on the act himself in the 65th minute, and Slot’s side showed no sign of slipping up from there.
Jota had squandered a golden chance just before putting Liverpool ahead, but the Reds were arguably second-best for much of the first half.
Ipswich could not make the most of its openings, however, and Kieran McKenna's team was ultimately punished as the Tractor Boys lost on their long-awaited return to the big time.
It is now nine opening-day goals for Salah in the Premier League, a new competition record.
Salah's effort also brought up his 300th direct goal involvement for the Reds in what was his 350th Liverpool appearance in all competitions.