Ipswich threaten as Liverpool wobble after the break

Liverpool’s search for control at Portman Road became more complicated after the interval as Ipswich produced their most encouraging spell of the game and exposed a degree of uncertainty in the visitors’ defending.

Ipswich grow into the contest

The second half began without changes, but the tone shifted quickly. Liverpool threatened first when a shot from Wirtz on the edge of the area was deflected behind, yet there were also immediate signs of hesitation at the other end. A misunderstanding between Mac Allister and Van Dijk nearly opened the door for Enciso, only for Alisson to react decisively and clear the danger.

Ipswich then began to carry more menace. Fatawu, cutting in from the right, sent an effort towards the top-left corner, albeit well off target. Even so, it was another indication that the home side were finding space and asking more questions of Liverpool than they had earlier in the contest.

Liverpool waste promising moments

For all Ipswich’s improvement, Liverpool still created openings that might have given them greater breathing room. Szoboszlai was involved repeatedly from the right, first delivering for Mac Allister, who could only direct a weak header goalwards from close range, making for a straightforward save by Scherpen.

Shortly afterwards, another Szoboszlai ball into the area nearly fell perfectly for Wirtz, who would have had a clear sight of goal from six yards had he brought it under control. Instead, the chance slipped away and Ipswich survived.

There was also an untidy moment from Scherpen in possession, with the goalkeeper fortunate not to be punished after hesitating and then miscontrolling at his feet.

A scrappy spell brings tension

The game lost some rhythm as the half wore on. Liverpool enjoyed plenty of the ball in midfield, but much of it was described by the live report as sterile domination rather than sustained pressure. The contest became fragmented, with challenges and loose passages replacing fluency.

Jacquet was booked after catching Emersonn with a high challenge while contesting a ball near halfway. Soon after, he was fortunate to avoid a second caution when he again clattered into Emersonn during an Ipswich counterattack. The referee opted for leniency, but it was a warning sign in an increasingly edgy phase.

Kerkez then went into the book for a reckless sliding challenge on Fatawu, a decision that reflected the broader mood of Liverpool’s defending. What had previously looked composed now appeared more anxious, with Ipswich sensing an opportunity to work their way back into the match.

Momentum shifts at Portman Road

By the 57-minute mark, the balance of the game had become less comfortable for Liverpool. Ipswich were not dominating possession, but they were carrying greater threat and forcing errors, while Liverpool’s back line looked more ragged than assured.

The sequence underlined how quickly momentum can turn in the Premier League. Liverpool still had enough quality to create chances, particularly through Szoboszlai’s delivery and Wirtz’s movement, but Ipswich’s sharper start to the second half ensured the contest remained alive.

• Fatawu tested Liverpool’s defence with a curling effort after cutting in from the right.
• Mac Allister missed a good headed chance from a Szoboszlai delivery.
• Jacquet was booked and then avoided what could have been a second yellow card.
• Kerkez was shown a yellow card for a reckless challenge on Fatawu.