Calm Slot starts Liverpool reign with patient victory

Arne Slot is in town and so is Kieran McKenna. Arguably the two head coaches most spoken about this summer - once Erik ten Hag's future became clear, at least - went head to head on the opening day and both gave their supporters evidence that there's plenty of reason for optimism in 2024-25.

- KARL MATCHETT

Liverpool completed their own mini "Old Farm derby" challenge: three years ago they went to Norwich City on the opening day of the season and beat them 3-0; this time it was Portman Road for their first game and Ipswich Town suffered the same fate, albeit with one fewer conceded. Two scorers that day managed to find the net again here, in Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah; perhaps the reason the Reds spurned so many chances to wrap up the points on this occasion was because their third scorer in 2021 - Roberto Firmino is no longer at the club.

Ruined symmetry aside, this was far from a procession for Liverpool, and yet it was a match where they were absolutely the stronger, more dominant side. That, along with two other factors, is largely why they ended up with the three points after Ipswich marked their return to the Premier League with a performance of real belief and vigour if a slight lack of final-third presence.

Slot's team however early as it is in his tenure after minimal preseason matches - had two new elements that saw them fend off the home side's pressure and make their quality count: a much greater emphasis on playing in central spaces around and in front of the opposition's defence, and considerably more patience in making the openings they sought.