Ipswich Town 0-2 Liverpool RECAP: Arne Slot appears to take aim at one star who 'lost every duel', after Mohamed Salah's assist and goal set opening-day record and blew away first-half cobwebs

That's that.

For 45 minutes Ipswich looked capable of pulling off an upset.

But just like investor and singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, who had to leave at half-time, Ipswich's hope vanished as Liverpool took control to seal victory in the second half.

It doesn't get any easier for them next week either as they have to travel to newly-promoted Manchester City.

Thanks for joining me.

Here is some more reaction from Arne Slot via our man on the ground, Lewis Steele.

No doubt Arne Slot is delighted to get his first Premier League win... but he is refusing to let the first half performance slide.

He's like a dog with a bone with that opening 45 minutes...

Much was made during pre-season of how Arne Slot can unlock another level from midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai after a mixed season last time out.

While Liverpool started slowly they grew into the game - as did their Hungarian midfielder - and he created the joint-most chances for the Reds at Portman Road.

Perhaps a bit more license to roam in an attacking role than he had under Klopp, plenty of reason for fans to be excited....

It seems Arne Slot is also not a fan of the 12.30 kick-offs.

We all know that his predecessor, Jurgen Klopp, absolutely despised them, and Slot has already jokingly said he feels the same.

He is right, though. Liverpool were poor first-half. Very poor.

Liverpool were fairly dominant in the end.

The statistics show that they had 19 shots, and 16 of those came in the second half alone.

On another day, they could have had five or six if it wasn't for last-ditch defending and goalkeeping.

Look at the amount of fouls, too. 27 in total, feisty.

Kieran McKenna, Ipswich boss, speaking to TNT Sports:

We showed plenty of good things, the first half was really good, we made it really difficult for Liverpool. We pressed them well, were physical, and aggressive. It was a really positive first-half and that gives us something to build on.

We are not there yet, we know we are going to have to improve over the next few weeks and months. The challenge is to maintain that level of performance for longer.

[We need] to manage things better in the second half, whenever Liverpool got into their stride and scored the first goal - we can certainly manage that period better. Lot's of positives to take, a real good base to build on.

No, I am not on a first-name basis with Trent Alexander-Arnold, I just felt lazy...

Wasn't he superb today?

In the second half, in particular, he really got Liverpool into their groove with his excellent range of passing.

Some of his runs through the heart of Ipswich were also brilliant, he wreaked havoc.

When he plays like that, the full-back is a joy to watch.

I did tell you that Liverpool love the opening day.

The Reds are now unbeaten in their last 12 opening matches in the Premier League, winning nine of them.

In fact, six of those have been against promoted sides, and they have reigned supreme in six.

Another fantastic start.

Diogo Jota is just so clinical.

Well, most of the time, he did actually miss a sitter today, but we can forget about that.

Only a minute after that terrible miss he was celebrating netting the opening goal.

It means he has now been involved in 10 goals in his last 10 Premier League appearances for the Reds, scoring seven and assisting three.

If he can stay fit, he will be pivotal for Arne Slot.

Liverpool fans, you'' enjoy this one.

As soon as the ball broke to Mo Salah, you knew exactly what was going to happen.

It proves that the key to his success is not down to his afro, he's just a very good player.

That myth can now be put to bed.

Arne Slot, Liverpool head coach, speaking to TNT Sports:

Depends on which half! The first taste in the first half was not as expected because they were all on top of us, very aggressive, we couldn't find a rhythm or the ball in behind. Second half was a joy to watch. First thing I said [at half-time] - we don't have to speak about tactics if you lose so many duels. Jarell [Quansah] lost every duel, many of us lost too many duels. We needed Konate to win the long balls for the number nine. That gave us control.

They [Ipswich] put so much energy in the first half, keeping fighting, playing all over the pitch one vs one, I don't think they could keep up that tempo in the second half. If a team plays all over the pitch one vs one and do not play the ball short constantly, then they have those kinds of strikers and wingers. I didn't see them fighting for it [long balls] in the first half, we lost almost every ball. In the second half we were ready and after scoring a goal we already had a good chance.

I don't think our problem in the first half was the midfield. The problem was we lost too many duels, our defenders lost too many and our attackers didn't win enough. We have many good players but if we can find another one we will not hesitate to do so. I don't believe that much in one man, I believe in the team. Mo can score his goals. Mo also needs the team but we have great individuals that can decide the game.

On Diogo Jota:

We know it's normal if you're Liverpool that you have a lot of good players. It's also needed. You need good individual performances if the team is playing well to win games. I'm not looking to the end of the season. We have to do everything we can with the defence and the ball.

Mo Salah makes history once again.

Every year people think they his productivity may dwindle, but he always proves them wrong.

His strike today means he becomes the outright top scorer in Premier League opening day fixtures, with nine goals.

Don't forget, he also got an assist for Diogo Jota's opener. It means he has now both scored and assisted in 32 different League games.

Only Wayne Rooney can beat that tally with 36. Not bad company, eh?

Oh yeah, and the stats don't stop there.

Salah registered his 300th goal involvement for the Reds in his 350th match, 212 of those being goals.

Crazy, crazy numbers.

Mohamed Salah, Liverpool goalscorer, speaking to TNT Sports:

It was quite tough today, to be fair, the weather was really warm. It's a tough team, I'm glad we won today, I'm always happy to make a difference When they [Ipswich] play home especially it's quite tough. The crowd is always up. We knew that before the game, we're experienced, so we expected a tough game.

On breaking the opening day goals record:

Hopefully, I keep going like this for the whole season. I always help to try to help the team all the time, I'm always happy to score goals or assist.

On playing under Arne Slot:

It's quite different. Jurgen was in the team for eight years, he gave everything, now it's a new manager and new system. It's quite different for all of us, we need to adapt. We just need to know his way of playing and enjoy the football. We don't need to put more pressure on him, we just need to play football and enjoy our games. Let's see in the end.

Liverpool fans. how are we feeling?

You must be happy after that, life after Jurgen Klopp could not have gotten off to a better start.

Two goals, a clean sheet, and a strong performance against a newly-promoted side.

That second-half display was simply sublime, they ripped the Premier League new boys apart.

Once Liverpool clicked, they were relentless.

The Ipswich players stayed on the pitch for a fair amount of time after the whistle thanking the fans.

I mean, the supporters were superb today and really drove them on.

The Tractor Boys can leave the turf proud of that performance, they caused Liverpool so many problems, mainly before halftime.

But in the end, the Reds' quality just shone through.

Lewis Steele, Mail Sport, at Portman Road:

Diogo Jota was clinical, Mo Salah sharp, Trent Alexander-Arnold doing what he does best. The atmosphere here was electric and Liverpool weathered that perfectly.

Arne Slot will leave Portman Road a happy man.

He is the first Liverpool boss this century to win his first competitive match in charge.

Even the great Jurgen Klopp didn't manage that.

It seems the new system really clicked in the second half after it struggled to get going in the first.

If they play like that often, the Reds will win lots of matches.

The Arne Slot era is off to the perfect start!

Liverpool took it up a gear in the second half and goals from Diogo Jota and Mo Salah got the job done in East Anglia.

Ipswich can be proud of their first display back in the top flight, not many teams will be able to deal with the Reds when they turn it on.

A fantastic 90 minutes to start the day.

Ibrahima Konate, that is brilliant.

The Frenchman manages to keep Liverpool's clean sheet intact as he puts in a last-ditch tackle to deny Jacob Greaves.

If he hadn't, that's probably a goal.

Ironic cheers ring around Portman Road as a Liverpool player is finally booked.

It's taken 95 minutes but Cody Gakpo becomes the first Reds player to pick up a yellow.

How Liverpool have not scored another I do not know.

I have just lost count of how many shots they have delivered in a matter of seconds, around four would be my guess.

Three are blocked and the last is saved by Christian Walton.

I can't believe they haven't found a third, it's crazy.

Oh, dear Alexis Mac Allister...

I think the Argentine has already produced what will be the worst shoot of the season.

He tries a volley from range and it ends up in the Liverpool away end... which is not behind the goal.

He smiles like the rest of us.

I thought they were doing less stoppage time this year?

There are eight minutes of stoppage time, which seems a little much if you ask me.

Will there be any more goals?

The red arrows fly forward once again.

Dominik Szoboszlai is absolutely flying but his through ball to Mo Salah is poor and it ends up with Luis Diaz failing to find a Red shirt.

This could have been any number.

Ali Al-Hamadi has a crack but then the whistle blows for offside again.

Ipswich have just never got going in this second half - completely run out of steam.

The entertainment is now mainly coming from the fans as the game peters out.

Ipswich have a dig at the Liverpool faithful for their lack of noise, and the Reds fans respond by saying they 'are going down' with Everton.

The language was a bit more fruity, though.

Brilliant from Alisson!

Ipswich spring a surprise on Liverpool and send one ball over the top for Ali Al-Hamdi to run onto.

He decides to have a crack first time with a volley but he doesn't hit it sweetly and Alisson gets low to deny him.

It turns out he was offside, anyway.

It's substitutions galore now.

Goalscorer Diogo Jota is serenaded by the Liverpool faithful as his number is held up. Cody Gakpo replaces him.

Kostas Tsimikas is also on, coming on for Andy Robertson for the final stretch of the match.

Mo Salah is really enjoying himself.

He has just pinged a delightful ball into the box for Alexis Mac Allister, but the latter can't control it.

Trent Alexander-Arnold's work is done.

He has been superb in this second half and is now being replaced by Conor Bradley.

There are a smattering of boos from the home cross as the change is made. Very odd.

There is a big cheer from Portman Road.

Why you ask?

Well, new signing Sammie Szmodics has just entered the action to replace Liam Delpa.

Ali Al-Hamadi is also on for Axel Tuanzebe, an attacking change.

Oh, Mo Salah should have another.

he gets through again on the end of another brilliant Dominik Szoboszalai through ball.

You just expect him to slide the ball past Christian Walton but he fires it straight at him.

It should be three.

I bet Ed Sheeran is happy he left now.

Liverpool look like they are going to score with every attack and Luis Diaz will feel he should have one now.

He rounds Christian Walton but runs far too wide and can't pick out Mo Salah in the area.

Ipswich are all over the place at the back.

Liverpool fans are now chanting 'The Reds have got no money, but we'll still win the league'

They are enjoying themselves at Portman Road now, Liverpool are flying.

Mo Salah breaks the record!

The Egyptian forward slides the ball past Christian Walton from close range after being found by Dominik Szoboszlai in the area.

That's his ninth opening day goal in the Premier League, more than any other player.

Simply inevitable.

Kieran McKenna turns to the bench again.

Jack Taylor and Marcus Harness are being handed the chance to turn things around.

they replace Massimo Luongo and Conor Chaplin.

Liverpool are all over Ipswich now.

The gaps are starting to appear and Mo Salah is taking advantage of them with regularity.

Ipswich are really under the cosh.

Diogo Jota doesn't miss this time!

It's been coming these last few minutes and this time Jota finishes off a flowing move.

Mo Salah is sent away on the right and he spots the Portuguese striker in the middle. He slides it across and Jota does the rest.

The Arne Slot era is up and running!

How have Liverpool not scored?

Liverpool have finally come to life and it's all because of Trent Alexander-Arnold.

After seeing two efforts blocked that were heading in, the ball is worked to the full-back who curls in a stunning cross.

Diogo Jota leaps to meet it just six years out but somehow heads it wide.

I can't believe he has missed that.

Heartbreak for Ipswich's Wes Burns.

The winger has been struggling with a knock the last few minutes and he can't carry on.

He is replaced by summer signing Ben Johnson.

How has Luis Diaz missed that??

Liverpool have just put together a stunning move from back to front, starting with Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The full-back then drives into the box before flicking the ball to Diaz who simply has to score.

But he flicks the ball over the net from less than six yards out.

Erm...

Ipswich fans think they have a penalty as Virgil van Dijk brings dron Liam Delap in the box.

The whistle is blown and the fans cheer, but it's actually for an offside on Leif Davis.

VAR checks but the decision is upheld.

That is vintage Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The Liverpool full-back produces an incredible slice pass from his own half to nearly set Luis Diaz away.

For just a second I thought he was through, but Axel Tuanzebe gets a foot in at the right time.

What a pass, though.

Arne Slot must have given his side a rocket at half-time, they look a lot sharper.

Dominik Szoboszlai drifts a lovely ball across the pitch for Luis Diaz to get onto.

The winger cuts inside and aims for the top corner with a striker, but I think the ball has ended up in the car park outside.

Better, though, from the Reds.

Jacob Greaves to the rescue for Ipswich!

He throws his body in the way of Mo Salah's curling effort following a corner.

The ball was definitely heading in, he had to make the block.

The camera has just panned to Jarrell Quansah and he doesn't look like a happy boy.

That makes me think that it's not an injury and just a tactical substitution.

The players are back out at Portman Road.

And there is a new face on the turf for Liverpool as Ibrahima Konate is now on for the Reds.

He replaces Jarrell Quansah. I'm a little surprised by that one.

Anyway, the ball is back rolling again.

Peter Crouch, former Liverpool striker, on TNT Sports:

[Ipswich were] so brave. They've taken it to Liverpool and been on the front foot, literally man to man. When the ball goes to feet, they're right on them straight away. But they're doing it with a system, not just running around. Just the small details sent him [Hutchinson] wide. He's led the line well.

Ok, so why do the Ipswich fans hate the referee so much?

The game did struggle to flow at times in this half, and this is why...

Liverpool conceded a mammoth amount of fouls, the most in one half for 15 years.

No yellow cards, though. Maybe that's why the fans are angry.

Ipswich have definitely been the better side so far.

They have taken the game to Liverpool and were nearly rewarded when Jacob Greaves got his head to the ball.

In my opinion, the defender has to do better.

He heads out straight at Alisson from just six yards out - just stick it in the corner, son.

Listen to the collective 'go-on' as he meets it though. Football heritage.

I'm sure Arne Slot will have a lot to say to his players at half-time.

The Dutchman looks fairly animated in that first half as the Reds struggled to deliver the type of football he commands.

Slot has talked about becoming a patient possession-based team. Well, Liverpool were the opposite of that in the first half.

Their go-to was to shift the ball over the top to Mo Salah, while they struggled to hold onto the ball under Ipswich's press.

A lot has to change if they are to come away with the points.

There goes the whistle for half-time.

Kieran McKenna will walk into the changing room a happy man, his Ipswich side have really taken the game to Liverpool.

The Tractor Boys have had the best chances of the half with Jacob Greaves coming closest.

Liverpool really haven't got going, they don't look comfortable out there at all.

Still all to play for.

Oooft, Trent Alexander-Arnold has that ball moving.

Liverpool work the ball in and around the penalty area before Mo Salah sees the full-back lurking outside the area.

The winger slides the ball across to him and Alexander-Arnold sees his name in lights.

But he blasts it miles over - he should do better.

Liam Delap, stop that!

The son of Rory, former Stoke City defender, takes a delightful touch before racing into the area.

For some reason, though, he dilly-dallies and doesn't pull the trigger.

He should just have a crack in situations like that.

Another half-decent chance for Ipswich.

This time it falls to Axel Tuanzebe who loops a speculative header toward goal.

It has Alisson scrambling back to his line but eventually the ball drops onto the roof of the net.

Wes Burns is a lucky man...

The Ipswich man deliberately swipes the ball away with his arm to give away a free-kick.

Somehow he avoids a booking, and he is already on a yellow card. I think he can consider himself fortunate to be on the pitch.

The Liverpool bench are making that point to the referee with some fruity language.

Great goalkeeping from Christian Walton.

Liverpool finally show some of their quality as Diogo Jota somehow wriggles way out of a tight spot to set them on their way.

The ball then luckily breaks for Luis Diaz in the area and he only has Walton to beat.

But the keeper rushes out and smothers him brilliantly.

Lewis Steele, Mail Sport, at Portman Road:

Ipswich had the better of the chances so far. Omari Hutchinson a bit wasteful a couple of times. Liverpool with zero shots on target. Leif Davis (FPL legend in the making) keeping tabs on Mo Salah so far.

Omari Hutchinson is a little livewire, isn't he?

The Ipswich winger is sent on the counter yet again with just two men to beat.

He decides to cut inside before firing a low drive toward goal, but Alisson collects it comfortably.

It's counter-attacks galore in East Anglia.

What a stunning ball that is from Luis Diaz.

The Colombian winger launches a counter-attack with a sliced through ball into Mo Salah, who wins a corner.

That is the type of pass you'd expect from Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The Ipswich fans sarcastically shout 'wheyyy' as they win a foul.

I think that's a jab at the referee, who it's pretty clear they are not a fan of.

Liverpool's new corner system hasn't really worked so far.

The players all bunch up in one area before springing surprise runs into the area.

The only problem is, Andy Robertson curls the corner straight into Christian Walton's gloves.

Another booking...

This time it's Wes Burns who gets a yellow card for scraping his boot down Alexis Mac Allister's Achilles.

The Ipswich fans chant 'Who is the scouser in the black'. I don't think they like Tim Robinson, you know.

Lewis Steele, Mail Sport, at Portman Road:

Ipswich have started very well and are using the crowd to their advantage without creating any clear-cut chances. Jacob Greaves just saw a header go straight into the gloves of Alisson and could have done better. But the home team are getting into some good areas and Liverpool are yet to have a shot on target.

We have our first real effort of the day and it goes to Ipswich.

Jacob Greaves rises to meet Sam Morsy's free-kick and the Ipswich fans collectively shout 'go onnnn'.

The centre-back gets a good connection on the ball but heads it straight at Alisson.

Lewis Steele, Mail Sport, at Portman Road:

Far too early to make any real judgments but for what it's worth: Ryan Gravenberch looks incredibly comfortable in the six so far. Getting the ball on the half-turn, pumping passes through the lines, breaking up play off the ball.

The pace of this game has calmed down a little bit.

Liverpool are now starting to find their rhythm and dominate the ball, with Mo Salah providing an outlet on the right.

They work the ball over to Dominik Szoboszlai, who fancies a crack, but his effort is deflected wide.

Omari Hutchinson looks stunned, but I'm not sure why.

He flies in on Ryan Gravenberch and wipes the Dutchman out. Unsurprisingly he gets a booking.

Hutchinson is not happy about it, though.

This game is going exactly as I expected.

Ipswich are well up for this and already causing Liverpool some major troubles at the back.

They get a three-on-two with the Reds backpedalling, but they waste it.

I must say, the atmosphere is incredible. Every time the hosts get the ball the stadium erupts.

They may have a new boss, but Liverpool still love a counter.

The Reds fly forward with Diogo Jota sending Mo Salah on his bike.

The Egyptian forward wins a corner before the camera zooms in on his newly shaved hair.

New look, but I'm guessing the same old Salah.

That didn't take long.

Ipswich have their first yellow card of the Premier League season and it's handed to Luke Woolfenden.

It's clear as day as he is all over Diogo Jota, but Liverpool wanted the advantage as Ryan Gravenberch was breaking.

This game is being played at a crazy pace.

Liverpool are looking awfully shaky early on.

They lose the ball in the midfield and Ipswich are off, the ball is slid through to Wes Burn and Andy Robertson makes a real hash of getting it clear.

Burns looks set to break away but a little tug of the shoulder from Robertson stops him in his tracks.

No foul, though. Odd.

Arne Slot's Liverpool are not afraid to play it around at the back.

They are knocking it around in their own box under pressure and Oh, just as I type this Omari Hutchinson nearly takes advantage.

But Jarrell Quansah is there to block his strike.

This style will not be good for Reds fans' heart rates.

The wait is over!

Premier League football is now officially back at Portman Road for the first time since 2002.

The stadium erupts as Liverpool get the game underway after a rendition of Hey Jude.

When did Bellingham join?

Portman Road is absolutely rocking!

The teams arise from the tunnel with Insomnia by Fat Boy Slim booming from the speakers.

Sadly they have to cut away from that belting tune for the |Premier League anthem, which is as terrible as ever.

Thankfully, it's only short.

Now this statistic contradicts the last one I showed you...

Arne Slot will not want to see this post, luckily I doubt he is canning this blog - you never know though.

No Liverpool manager in the 21st century has won their first match in charge of the club.

That includes Rafael Benitez, Roy Hodgson, Kenny Dalglish, Brendan Rodgers, and even Jurgen Klopp.

Can he break that run today?

When I say love, I mean LOVE!

The Reds haven't lost their opening Premier League match since 2012, when they were beaten 3-0 by West Brom.

Since then they have won eight of 11 such fixtures - one hell of an omen.

These runs come to an end, though...

Superstar singer Ed Sheeran, lifelong Ipswich fan, on TNT Sports:

I just hope Ipswich score first because this place will explode! I hope we win, 1-0 and it's scrappy. But I have to leave here at half-time because I'm playing in Serbia tonight. We almost couldn't even come to the game but we had to.

I'm really excited. Driving through town and seeing lots of people in Liverpool shirts and remembering that we're in the Prem. Being able to watch world-class football is great. To go from League One to the Championship to here, we're going to see everything. Everything feels different.

People like success stories like this. it is a grassroots club and it just feels like it's lifted up the town. Ipswich has gone through some tough years, it's great for the area and the county.

Lewis Steele, Mail Sport, at Portman Road:

The atmosphere is building here in Ipswich with lots of fans soaking up the occasion in the sunshine - beers are flowing in the fan park opposite Portman Road. Ed Sheeran seems to have commandeered the pre-match playlist. He was still in primary school when Ipswich last played in the Premier League, a 5-0 defeat to Liverpool on the last day of 2001-02. Now he's in the A-Team of British celebrities...

As for Liverpool, there are no huge surprises in the XI - the only one perhaps is that Andy Robertson gets the nod over Kostas Tsimikas at left-back. The Scotland captain is not 100 per cent fit after only playing an hour of pre-season so this will be a big test for him against some pacy Ipswich wingers. Diogo Jota is leading the line as a No 9 for the Reds - and my fantasy football team - so let's see how long he can keep Darwin Nunez out of the team for. It's good to see Jarell Quansah get the nod at centre-half after a fine pre-season.

As you may have spotted in the headline, Joe Gomez is not a happy bunny.

He is currently Liverpool's longest-serving player after signing nine years ago, but his time may be coming to an end.

Gomez has not travelled today as he is reportedly considering his options at the club.

That sounds like he may be off, doesn't it?

Is anybody else as excited as I am?

I've missed starting my Saturdays by watching a lunchtime kick-off, no better way to kick off the day.

I wonder if Jurgen Klopp will be watching? Or maybe he is just taking the opportunity for a lie-in...

While he does that, his former players are out on the turf at Portman Road putting in their final preparations.

Kick-off is nearly upon us.

If you want a quick chuckle before the match, watch this video from Paddy Power.

Ipswich are now in the big time, so they needed a quick introduction to how thins work.

Ed Sheeran even makes an appearance... oh wait, that may not actually be him.

This is exactly the move Klavin Phillips needed.

While at Leeds United, Phillips was one of the most sought-after midfielders in the Premier League, hence why Man City snapped him up.

But his time in Manchester has not gone to plan.

With Rodri in front of him, the Englishman never got a sniff at the first team, so was sent out on loan to West Ham.

We all know how that went...

He has been in need of a fresh start and that is what he now has at Ipswich, it's the perfect environment for him.

I wonder how many minutes he will get today?

What do you guys think?

Liverpool ran Manchester City and Arsenal very close in Jurgen Klopp's final season but fell off right at the end.

The question is, can Arne Slot propel this team forward to winning the title once again.

He may have not made any additions this summer, but he has inherited a top squad.

However, I believe the title is a bit too far out of reach for now - they won't be thinking about that yet.

Arne Slot, Liverpool head coach, speaking to TNT Sports:

Definitely looking forward to it, but it is all about getting a result. The job is the same if you work in Holland or here, you want to prepare in the best possible way. Jurgen left the team in a really good way, full of energy and they always want to work hard. I do think the results were a bit better than the way we played, some wins where the play was not as good. I'm very positive about how we have worked until now. It is good to see that the boys who came in two weeks ago came back really strong.

On his style compared to Jurgen Klopp:

I don't think of that much. One of the reasons why I joined this club is that they wanted a coach to use the style I wanted to play. The club wanted someone similar to Jurgen and rightly because they had a lot of success playing in this style. We are not the same people, so there may be some difference, but I am hoping and expecting many things will be the same.

On Ryan Gravenberch's new position:

Gravenberch starts in the 6 because he has the attributes to play there, he will develop into a 6. Him playing today will help Macca [Mac Allister] play more forward.

Liverpool always seem to open up their campaign against a promoted side, don't they?

This will be the fifth time in the last six seasons that the Reds start the season against a newly promoted side.

Out of those five, they have won four of them, including two against Ipswich's bitter rivals Norwich.

However, they have drawn their last two opening day matches.

Kieran McKenna, Ipswich manager, speaking to TNT Sports:

We're excited. It is a great occasion for the club first and foremost. The first game here in the Premier League in 22 years and we want to make the most of it.

On his team selection:

It is the core of the group that we have had to be honest, ten of the starting team are making their first starts in the Premier League today. We have seven of the group that have been with us since League One, so it is a fantastic opportunity for those boys. We are still in the process of integrating new signings, Liam [Delap] has come into the team today and we have some players on the bench too that we think will improve us going forward.

On deciding to stay at the club:

I feel like I wanted to be here for sure, I wouldn't say I owed it but I wanted to be here. The club has been amazing with me offering me my first chance in management at 35 years old. We have been on an incredible journey. I wanted to be the one leading this team out in the Premier League this season, it feels like the right thing and the right place to be.

That opening day optimism, there is nothing better.

Ipswich fans have arrived at Portman Road ahead of the new season raring to go, they are about to delve into the unknown.

Excitement has certainly filled the air in Suffolk.

Time flies, doesn't it?

It feels like just yesterday that Mo Salah arrived on Merseyside, but it was seven years ago. Wowzers.

When the Egyptian forward takes to the turf today, it will be the 350th time he has done so in the red of Liverpool.

A Reds legend.

We could be about to witness a goal-fest today.

I have had the pleasure of covering Ipswich a few times and my word do they love to find the back of the net.

Under Kieran Mckenna they have done it with regularity, they are not scared of anyone.

The Tractor Boys have netted 92 league goals in each of the past two seasons, in League One and the Championship.

I mean, that's a hell of a lot of goals.

In fact, that tally can only be beaten by Manchester City and Stockport County, who both scored 96, in the top four divisions.

Recognise this happy chap?

Of course, you do, it's megastar artist Ed Sheeran. While he is not selling out stadiums with his music, he loves to pop down to the footie.

Sheeran is a boyhood Ipswich Town fan and only two days ago he bought a minority stake in the football club.

there was no way he was going to miss his side's return to the top flight, and he seems buzzing to be there.

He even took some time to be interviewed by Peter Crouch. What a duo!

Matt Barlow, Mail Sport, at Portman Road:

Suffolk is a little less sleepy this morning. There are great levels of excitement in Ipswich with flags hung from windows and fans in new shirts out milling around in the streets loitering outside the ground, queueing at turnstiles, savouring the tastes Premier League once again.

Portman Road looks handsome and the front of the match day programme says ‘Back in the Prem’. The mood is giddy among the home fans and a new era for the visitors, too. Waiting to see what life after Jurgen Klopp might deliver. Looking forward to a future with Arne Slot at the helm. New dawns collide in East Anglia. What a way to start the first weekend of the Premier League season.

Ryan Gravenberch has a big day ahead of him.

A lot has been made of Liverpool's need to sign a holding midfielder this summer.

They tried and failed with Martin Zubimendi this summer, similar to what happened with Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia last year.

Arne Slot has decided to find a solution from within, and the man for the job seems to be Ryan Gravenberch.

It's an unfamiliar role for the Dutchman, but he will need to get used to it very quickly.

It will be interesting to see how he adapts today.

No smiles from Slot.

Liverpool have arrived at Portman Road and they look like they mean business, don't they?

Arne Slot doesn't even show his signature smile, he probably has too much on his mind, to be honest.

I wonder how they are all feeling about these new beginnings.

When isn't he?

Mo Salah and opening day matches are a match made in heaven, he always seems to bag a goal.

Last season was the first time since signing for Liverpool in 2017 that he didn't net in matchday one.

He has scored eight goals on the Premier League opening day, the joint most with Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, and Alan Shearer.

If the Egyptian scores today he will have the outright most with nine.

You wouldn't want to bet against him.

And here is Ipswich's first Premier League starting 11 in 22 years.

New signings Kalvin P{hillips and Sammie Szmodics have been included in the squad as they take their place on the bench.

Kieran McKenna has largely gone with his usual line-up from the Championship but has added a bit more star quality with Liam Delap lining up at the top.

Is this side good enough to cause Liverpool problems? I believe so.

The first Premier League 11 of the Arne Slot era is here!

The Dutchman has gone with what looks like his go-to 4-2-3-1 formation, with Diogo Jota leading the line.

Jarrell Quansha has been chosen to play alongside captain Virgil van Dijk in the heart of defence.

Meanwhile, Ryan Gravenberch will play in the No6 role... interesting.

Ooooh, now this is interesting.

Both Klavin Phillips and Sammie Szmodics only signed for Ipswich Town yesterday, but they are eligible to play today.

Mail Sport's Lewis Steele has spotted them arriving with the rest of Kieran McKenna's squad.

Does that mean they will get some action?

We will find out in just a few minutes.

Portman Road, what a stadium.

It has a real old-school feel about it, very similar to that of Everton's Goodison Park.

When I last went to the stadium it was rocking and that was when they were gunning for League One promotion.

Today will be another level.

There will be no Jurgen Klopp in the dugout for Liverpool today.

Writing that sentence felt really weird, I'm still not used to it. It's been nearly a decade since someone else other than Klopp led out the Reds.

Well, today that changes. The Arne Slot era begins.

He's been handed a pretty tough fixture to start off with, facing a promoted side is never easy.

But both the Dutchman and his new side will want to get off to a storming start to show that they mean business this year.

By business, I mean football-wise... They haven't exactly been conducting any of it elsewhere (if you catch my drift).

It must feel like Christmas Day for Ipswich Town fans.

I bet they couldn't sleep well last night and then woke up at the crack of dawn this morning raring to go.

Luckily for them, it's a lunchtime kick-off. They don't have to wait long.

It's been 22 years since the Tractor Boys last graced the Premier League - a lot of time has passed since then.

To put it in perspective, I was only two when Ipswich were last in the English top flight.

So yeah, it's been a while.

But now they are back and they are not just here to make up the numbers. Opening day matches don't get much tougher than facing Liverpool, though.

They will need Portman Road to be rocking.

Has everybody recovered from last night?

Last night saw the return of the Premier League and of course, it had to come back with a bit of drama.

Now, we are really getting into the swing of things with our first Saturday back, and my word is it going to be a cracking day.

We start in style with newly-promoted Ipswich Town hosting a Liverpool side who are not managed by Jurgen Klopp.

Based on these two sides, I'd say expect goals, but I also said that yesterday and we only got one...

Anyway, that's enough of an introduction, let's get this show on the road!