David Lynch’s 5 Key Takeaways From Liverpool 4-1 Ipswich | OneFootball

Liverpool Look Like Huge Favourites in Title Race

Liverpool delivered a statement victory at Anfield, dispatching Ipswich 4-1 in a dominant Premier League performance. Reds reporter David Lynch broke down the game, analysing Arne Slot’s side and highlighting key performances. Here are five major takeaways from the post-match reaction.

Photo: IMAGO

1. Dominant from Start to Finish

Liverpool haven’t always made their wins look easy this season, but that wasn’t the case against Ipswich. Lynch summed it up:

“Now, I’ve had one minor criticism of Arne Slot’s Liverpool – it’s that perhaps there haven’t been enough of these sorts of comfortable wins… but nothing like that today. Ipswich beaten 4-1 here, and let’s be honest, it was comfortable from very, very early in the first half.”

The stats backed up the dominance, with Liverpool having 72% possession, 16 shots to Ipswich’s 3, and an xG of 1.9 compared to just 0.25 for the visitors.

Even Ipswich’s late goal didn’t change the reality: Liverpool controlled the game from the first whistle.

2. Midfield Brilliance: The Foundation of Success

Lynch was full of praise for Liverpool’s midfield trio of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch, crediting them as a key reason for Liverpool’s Premier League title charge:

“If Liverpool go on to win trophies this season, and we hope the Premier League will be amongst them, I think Arne Slot owes a phone call to Jurgen Klopp to thank him for the business that was done last summer to bring this midfield together.”

The midfield’s balance was evident:

Their ability to dictate play, create chances, and work off the ball was crucial in suffocating Ipswich’s attempts to get into the game.

3. Cody Gakpo Steps Up Again

Two goals and an assist – Cody Gakpo was one of the standout performers of the night. His ability to play across the front line has made him invaluable to Arne Slot, and Lynch acknowledged the Dutch forward’s growing influence:

“32 appearances this season, 14 goals – it’s a great hit rate for him, particularly for a player who maybe we were worried about after his first season and a half at Liverpool.”

Lynch was particularly impressed by his poacher’s instinct:

“Love the centre-forward’s finish for the second one – a big, powerful header. He’s a big lad for a left-winger, but he’s a real aerial threat for that reason.”

With Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez also competing for places, Gakpo’s form makes him hard to drop.

4. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Defensive Work Silences Critics

Trent Alexander-Arnold has faced criticism for his defensive work, but Lynch believes that debate should be put to rest after this display:

“I don’t know how anyone can say that he’s absolutely shocking defensively… He may not be perfect, but very few right-backs are.”

The numbers told the story:

Lynch pointed out that Trent has been consistently strong defensively outside of the Manchester United game and suggested that the criticism from pundits like Roy Keane doesn’t reflect reality.

Photo: IMAGO

5. Liverpool Look Like Champions

Despite Arsenal keeping pace, Lynch was adamant that Liverpool are the best team in the Premier League right now:

“Let’s be honest, we can’t really be greedy about these things, can we? Liverpool are still six points clear, they’ve still got a game in hand, and they’re looking like huge favourites in the Premier League title race.”

He added:

“If they keep this momentum going until the end of the season, there’s no question for me that they will be the ones lifting the Premier League trophy.”

With their relentless midfield, sharp attack, and defensive improvements, Liverpool are proving they have all the ingredients for a title-winning campaign.

Final Thoughts

Liverpool’s 4-1 win over Ipswich was one of their most complete performances of the season. From midfield dominance to Cody Gakpo’s resurgence and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s defensive contributions, Arne Slot’s side looked every bit like champions in waiting.

As Lynch put it:

“They’ve just been sensational so far, and I think we’ve seen another sensational performance today.”

Liverpool fans will now be hoping they can keep this momentum rolling all the way to the Premier League title.