Liverpool 4-1 Ipswich PLAYER RATINGS: Which star did not put a foot wrong? And who finally looks like the player the Reds thought they were buying?

Liverpool took another step forwards in their quest to win the Premier League title as Arne Slot‘s side earned a comfortable 4-1 win over strugglers Ipswich.

Dominik Szoboszlai opened the scoring for Liverpool with a well placed finish in the 11th minute, before Mohamed Salah struck with his 100th Premier League goal at Anfield.

Cody Gakpo struck in each half as the league leaders made sure of the three points, while Jacob Greaves scored a consolation for the visitors in second half stoppage time.

The victory ensured Liverpool maintained their six point lead at the top of the table, while Ipswich remain in the bottom three. 

Mail Sport’s LEWIS STEELE assesses how each Liverpool star performed.

LIVERPOOL (4-2-3-1):

Alisson – 6

Could have brought a deckchair and read a few chapters of a book while smoking a pipe for most of the match. Did not make a save until after the hour-mark. Will be upset to see his clean sheet go in the 90th minute.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7

Beautiful cross for Gakpo’s second goal in the second half. Combines so well with Salah down his flank and, like Alisson, had little to do defensively.

Ibrahima Konate – 7.5

Relished the battle with lanky striker Liam Delap and cleared up any threats of danger. But the highlight of his game was the assist for Liverpool’s opener, which cut open Ipswich’s midfield and defence.

Virgil van Dijk – 7

Three hundred games now for Van Dijk and this will have been one of the easiest. Commanding as ever.

Andy Robertson – 8

The Scotland captain has got a lot of heat from fans in the last few months but, though he will not take the headlines, this was an excellent display. His crunching tackle started the move for the Reds’ first goal and he attacked with purpose.

Trent Alexander-Arnold set up Cody Gakpo’s goal in the second half with a beautiful cross

Andy Robertson has received criticism of late but he produced an encouraging display

Ryan Gravenberch – 7.5

Makes everything look so easy and, at this stage, is a certainty for the Premier League team of the season. Played a lovely ball to Szoboszlai for Liverpool’s third.

Alexis Mac Allister – 7

A constant livewire in midfield and barely put a foot wrong on or off the ball. Received a standing ovation when he was substituted late on.

Mohamed Salah – 7.5

Lovely touch and finish to make it 2-0 to Liverpool. Had a quieter afternoon than usual but is now ahead of Thierry Henry in the all-time Premier League scoring charts – with Frank Lampard and Sergio Aguero next in his sights.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 8.5

Excellent turn to evade Dara O’Shea for the first goal and a sublime finish. He set up the third as well and put in a top performance overall. Finally looks like the player Liverpool thought they were buying.

Cody Gakpo – 8.5 (MOTM)

Saw a shot sail over the crossbar after two minutes but did not put a foot wrong after that. In the right place at the right time for his two goals and got a lovely assist for Salah’s goal. Man of the match for the flying Dutchman.

Dominik Szoboszlai scored an excellent goal and also provided an assist in a fine display

Gakpo scored twice and was Liverpool’s standout performer in the win against Ipswich

Luis Diaz – 7

May feel aggrieved to not be on the score-sheet with his fellow attackers but Diaz still put in a good shift and caused Ipswich problems throughout.

Substitutes

Darwin Nunez (for Gakpo, 68min) – 6

Wataru Endo (for Gravenberch, 68min) – 6

Harvey Elliott (for Szoboszlai, 68min) – 6

Jayden Danns (for Mac Allister, 80min) – NA

Federico Chiesa (for Diaz, 86min) – NA

Not used: Caoimhin Kelleher, Kostas Tsimikas, Jarell Quansah, Conor Bradley.

Manager

Arne Slot – 6

One of the most convincing wins of the season for the Premier League leaders.

Arne Slot saw his side earn one of their most comfortable wins of the Premier League season

IPSWICH (4-2-3-1): Walton 5; Tuanzebe 4, O’Shea 3.5, Greaves 4, Davis 5 (Townsend 46min, 6); Morsy 5, Phillips 6; Burns 5 (Johnson 29, 6), Hutchinson 4 (Enciso 79), Philogene 4 (Broadhead 79); Delap 6 (Hirst 79).

Subs not used: Muric, Godfrey, Luongo, Taylor.

Booked: Delap, Enciso.

Scorers: None.

Manager: Kieran McKenna 5.

Attendance: not provided.

Referee: Michael Salisbury 6.5.