Liverpool's era under new boss Arne Slot got off to a winning start with a 2-0 win over newly-promoted Ipswich Town at Portman Road.

The Reds overcame a frustrating opening half to score two goals after half-time in their first competitive game since Jurgen Klopp left the club at the end of last season.

Slot, who has yet to make a signing since taking over, is the first permanent Liverpool manager to win his first league match in sole charge since Graeme Souness in 1991.

While Liverpool were below-par in the first half, they produced a much stronger second half showing with Peter Crouch labelling their football "breathtaking".

"Liverpool needed to make a statement with the new manager and no signing," said former Liverpool and England striker Crouch on TNT Sports.

"Some of the ways they opened Ipswich up, they looked like they were going to score at will.

"There are slight differences between Slot and Klopp but the fans will get on board."

It did not take long for Slot to show his ruthless side.

The Dutchman was unimpressed with the number of challenges Liverpool were losing during a goalless first half and sent on Ibrahima Konate for Jarell Quansah at the start of the second half.

Liverpool, who had no shots on target in the first 45 minutes, were much stronger as goals by Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah sealed the points.

"I inherited a very good team and very talented players but these players have to understand it is not enough what they brought in the first half," said Slot afterwards.

"We lost far too many duels in the first half. We didn't cope that well enough.

"I didn't see them fighting for it in the first half, we lost almost every long ball. In the second half they were ready and then we opened up and you could see we can play quite good football."