Pop star Ed Sheeran has bought a 1.4 percent stake in Ipswich Town - the football club in his heart. Now the world star was on site at the Portman Road arena when Ipswich made a comeback in the Premier League after 22 years of absence.
In the premiere, giant club Liverpool awaited, who need to find a new identity after coach Jürgen Klopp left after nine seasons. The German led Liverpool to their first league title (2019-2020) in two decades and the Champions League title in 2019.
"A delight"
Dutchman Arne Slot is the man who got the ungrateful task of managing Klopp's legacy.
But during the first half, the away team did not shine. Ipswich - who as recently as 2023 played in the English third division - stood up well against the classic club.
The first half was as expected since they (Ipswich) pressed us aggressively. The second half was a delight to watch, says Arne Slot according to news agency AFP.
In the second half, Liverpool took over more and more, and after an hour, the leading goal came. Diogo Jota had just missed a brilliant header opportunity, but played by star striker Mohamed Salah, the Portuguese made no mistake when Liverpool found large spaces in depth.
Just five minutes later, it was time for Salah to score himself. The Egyptian collaborated nicely with Hungarian Dominik Szoboszlai and could easily tap in the final score 2-0 behind Christian Walton in the home goal.
Premiere record for Salah
I don't think Ipswich could keep up with the tempo in the second half, says Slot.
It was Salah's ninth goal in a Premier League premiere - which is a record. Previously, he shared the premiere record with Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney, and Alan Shearer.
Last year's Premier League third-place finisher Liverpool will meet Brentford at home next weekend. For Ipswich, it won't be an easier opponent in a week - then Manchester City, who are chasing their fifth consecutive league title, await on away ground.
