Ipswich Boss Kieran McKenna Drops “Ruthless” Verdict on Three Liverpool Stars Who Made the Difference in Saturday’s Win
Despite suffering a defeat in their first Premier League clash in over 20 years, there were more positives than negatives for Kieran McKenna as Liverpool eventually broke down Ipswich Town’s brave resistance at Portman Road.
By the time the first half ended, only one team seemed likely to open the scoring in East Anglia, and it wasn’t Arne Slot’s side.
Liverpool, much like many teams before them, appeared surprised by the aggression, intensity, and bullish self-confidence displayed by Kieran McKenna’s highly-regarded players.
However, after missing a few clear opportunities on counter-attacks and set-pieces, Ipswich, a team reveling in the success of back-to-back promotions, was served a harsh lesson.
In the Premier League, a momentary lapse in concentration can be costly.
In just three touches and a few seconds, Liverpool transitioned from their own half into Ipswich’s net. Trent Alexander-Arnold expertly outwitted Leif Davis with a brilliant through ball, Mo Salah delivered a perfect pass across the goal, and Diogo Jota finished with a typically emphatic strike into the top of Christian Walton’s net.
Mo Salah Shines as Liverpool Beat Ipswich Town 2-0
McKenna believes this is a lesson Ipswich must take to heart.
This applies not only on the field but also in the transfer market. With two weeks left in the window, the lack of seasoned Premier League experience is arguably the most significant shortcoming for The Tractor Boys.
“To go toe-to-toe with Liverpool for 45 minutes was a big positive,” a proud McKenna begins, speaking to TNT Sports via their official YouTube channel. “Then, of course, we need to keep improving we need to keep adding to the to the squad.
“We need to keep improving the players who are who are here to help them find another level to be competitive in the game for longer.
“I think (the fans) have seen plenty of good things. They’ve seen the things that they they love about this team and they’ve also seen the level (of the Premier League).”
Mohamed Salah quickly opened his Premier League goal tally for the season just five minutes after Jota’s initial strike.
This goal and assist cemented Salah’s status as the player with the most opening weekend goals in the history of the league.
However, for McKenna, it was the pace and accuracy with which Salah linked up with Jota and Alexander-Arnold for the goal around the hour mark that underscored the gap between the two teams.
“Liverpool; the quality of the execution of the the two goals, probably first goal especially where we do not do that many things wrong. But you’re one or two yards off on your pressure in a couple of different positions, and how ruthless it can.
“They’ve seen, you know, the level of one of the best teams in the league. We’ll all learn from it as a club and we will go again.”
Arne Slot Pleased with Portman Road Victory
On the other hand, Slot was satisfied with how Liverpool maintained their composure after a challenging and at times concerning first half, eventually asserting their quality.
“The first taste (of Premier League football) in the first half was maybe as expected because they were all on top of us. Very aggressive. Second half was a joy to watch,” says the 2023 Eredivisie winner.
“First thing (I said at half-time) was we don’t have to speak about tactics if you don’t lose so many duels. I think we needed to win the long balls through the air. That helped and gave us control. I don’t think Ipswich could keep up with the tempo in the second half.
“If a team plays all over the pitch one-vs-one, do not always play the ball short constantly. I didn’t see them fighting for it in the first half. we lost almost every long ball.
“In the second-half, they were ready and then gas opened up and you could see we can play quite good football.”
In other Liverpool news, Liverpool’s “Special Talent” Could Make His First-team Premier League Debut as the Reds Begin New Season
