SLOT HAILS SECOND-HALF UPTICK

Dutchman's first match as Liverpool manager ends with a 2-O win over promoted Ipswich

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Arne Slot got off to a winning start as Liverpool manager, thanks to two quick-fire goals from Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah in a 2-0 English Premier League win at newly promoted Ipswich Town on Aug 17.

Slot has the unenviable task of succeeding Jurgen Klopp at Anfield but the Dutchman will have been heartened by a commanding second-half performance, even if his team were a bit lacklustre before the break.

Ipswich, cheered on by new minority shareholder and singersongwriter Ed Sheeran from the Portman Road stands, went toe-totoe with Liverpool in the first half but failed to take their chances when they presented themselves.

The Reds then improved markedly after the break, taking the lead on the hour mark through Jota, before a fine move was finished off by Salah five minutes later to effectively kill off the Tractor Boys' challenge.

"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," said Slot, on his first experience of the league.

"We couldn't find the rhythm (in the first half) but second half was a joy to watch." "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.