Mohamed Salah scores as Liverpool begin Arne Slot era with win at Ipswich

Liverpool forwards Diogo Jota and Mohamad Salah spoiled Ipswich’s Premier League return and handed new boss Arne Slot a debut victory.

Ipswich were back in the top flight for the first time in 22 years after consecutive promotions under Kieran McKenna and edged a tight first half in front of a buoyant Portman Road crowd.

Liverpool, who finished third in Jurgen Klopp’s last season, went up a level after the break with Jota able to force the opener on the hour mark after an assist by Salah.

Salah went from provider to scorer five minutes later with a smart finish and it proved enough to ensure Slot made a triumphant start with a 2-0 win on the road.

Ipswich had made a flurry of summer signings, but McKenna hinted on Friday it would be a lot of his old guard that began this opener and seven of the XI were starters when they clinched promotion from League One in 2023.

It was a similar story for Liverpool after they had failed to make a single transfer under new head coach Slot and a raucous atmosphere welcomed the Dutchman to English football.

With no shortage of adrenaline, yellow cards were more frequent than chances early on, but the home crowd were almost on their feet when debutant Jacob Greaves’ weak header was nearly spilled by Alisson Becker in the 20th minute.

A third caution for an Ipswich player followed before a lightning quick counter-attack ended with Omari Hutchinson’s low strike being routine enough for Alisson.

Mohamed Salah scores @LFC's second goal in quick succession