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Liverpool pair Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak are rapidly emerging as one of the Premier League’s most dangerous combinations after another brilliant display at Portman Road. The Dutch forward set up both goals as his strike partner scored twice inside the opening nine minutes to seal an important win for the Reds.

Gakpo delivered a creative masterclass on Friday night and was central to Liverpool’s success, producing a display that should silence any remaining talk over a possible summer exit from Anfield. The attacker, who had been heavily linked with a transfer, showed exactly why he remains such an important part of Andoni Iraola’s system.

Speaking after the match, the Netherlands international was in an upbeat mood when discussing his understanding with Isak. He said: "Yeah, we will see. We always train together, and always try to get to know each other better. Hopefully we can assist each other many times. He owes me a few assists now!"

The 2-0 victory underlined Gakpo’s vision and unselfish play in the final third. Looking back on the team’s display, he told Sky Sports: "I think it was a great game today. Obviously some things we have to improve still but a much-needed win for us, and I'm really glad that we got the three points."

While Gakpo was the chief creator, Isak supplied the clinical finishing that has defined his recent revival. The Sweden international is currently enjoying the best form of his career and has already equalled his entire Premier League goal return from last season in only three appearances this campaign.

His two goals in the opening nine minutes highlighted his sharp predatory instincts, with both strikes coming from Gakpo assists. That extraordinary nine-minute spell saw the former Newcastle player reach a landmark that no Liverpool player had managed in more than a decade. In doing so, Isak matched an achievement previously set by Maxi Rodriguez.

The result was especially important for manager Andoni Iraola, who finally picked up his first three points in the Liverpool dugout. After beginning his spell in charge with two 2-2 draws, there had been questions over the side’s ability to close out matches, but those concerns were eased by a composed and professional performance in Suffolk. The victory meant Iraola avoided becoming the first Liverpool manager since Brendan Rodgers to fail to win any of his opening three Premier League matches at the club.

Captain Virgil van Dijk was quick to praise both the tactical plan and Gakpo’s individual display. The Dutch defender said: "I think we were a little bit more direct in the beginning, which is what we wanted to put the danger in their half and create a bit of chaos. Great goals. Cody was outstanding. Great win, and on to the next."

Van Dijk also stressed how important it was for Gakpo to stay at the club despite interest from elsewhere during the transfer window. He added: "Massive. I said it before the transfer window had closed, he's important for us, and he will be important this season."