Liverpool 4-1 Ipswich Town: Gakpo stars as Reds cruise to victory over Tractor Boys

Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League with a commanding 4-1 victory over Ipswich Town at Anfield on Saturday, driven by an inspired performance from Cody Gakpo. The Dutch striker netted twice and set up another goal as Liverpool maintained their unbeaten streak.

The win sees Liverpool climb to 53 points, six clear of second-placed Arsenal, who edged Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0. Ipswich remain in the relegation zone, sitting 18th on 16 points, trailing Wolves on goal difference.

The Reds opened the scoring in the 11th minute through Dominik Szoboszlai, who expertly curled a left-footed shot into the bottom-right corner after being picked out by Ibrahima Konaté.

Gakpo showcased his creativity in the 35th minute, delivering a pinpoint cross to Mohamed Salah, who smashed the ball into the roof of the net from an acute angle to double Liverpool’s advantage.

Just before halftime, Szoboszlai’s shot was parried into Gakpo’s path, and the striker pounced to make it 3-0, giving Liverpool a comfortable cushion heading into the break.

Ipswich struggled to create meaningful opportunities but appealed unsuccessfully for a penalty early in the second half after Liam Delap went down under Konaté’s challenge. The visitors finally tested Alisson on the hour mark with a shot from Omari Hutchinson, but the Liverpool goalkeeper dealt with it easily.

Liverpool sealed the win in style in the 66th minute when Trent Alexander-Arnold delivered a sublime cross, met by Gakpo’s towering header to make it 4-0. Alexander-Arnold later struck the post with a powerful first-time effort as Liverpool continued to dominate.

Ipswich managed a consolation goal in the 90th minute when defender Jacob Greaves headed home, denying Liverpool a clean sheet in an otherwise one-sided encounter.

"I really do love scoring here, but the most important thing was the win today," Gakpo said post-match, also praising Alexander-Arnold’s delivery. "Everyone knows his quality. I was eager to be on time in the box."

Gakpo’s standout performance also prompted manager Arne Slot to make a triple substitution, preserving players for upcoming challenges.

"We stay very focused. We are there every day on the training field to keep improving ourselves. There is a long way to go—step by step," Gakpo added.

SportsLigue