"Ability to single-handedly kill every attack is impressive", "Painful to watch" - Fans slam Liverpool star despite 2-0 Ipswich win

Fans have had a go at striker Luis Diaz despite Liverpool winning 2-0 at newly promoted Ipswich Town in their Premier League opener on Saturday (August 17).

In new boss Arne Slot's first competitive game in charge, following a goalless first-half, Diogo Jota - set up by Mohamed Salah - broke the deadlock at the hour mark at Portman Road. Salah then made the result secure five minutes later, scoring for the seventh time in eight Premier League opening-day games.

While Ipswich's first Premier League game in more than two decades ended with a loss, Reds fans weren't too happy with the performances of Diaz. The 27-year-old turned in a largely underwhelming outing in attack, squandering multiple openings.

One fan noted:

"Diaz's ability to single-handedly kill every attack is impressive."

Another chimed in:

"Luis Diaz is painful to watch."

There were similar reactions from other fans, with Daniel posting:

"f**king hell Diaz's end product is so shite."

Jonathan Morley commented:

"Get Gakpo on for Diaz asap for f**k sake."

The defeat marked Ipswich's first at home across competitions in nearly a year. The Tractor Boys made history last season, becoming only the fifth English team to register back-to-back promotions, finishing the 2023-24 Championship campaign behind winners Leicester City.

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"It was a good win" - Liverpool boss Arne Slot

Liverpool boss Arne Slot is understandably pleased to kick off his Anfield stint with a win, albeit a hard-fought one. Admitting that the opposition were up for it, especially in the first half, the Dutchman noted that his side improved after the break.

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, the new Reds boss - who succeeded the legendary Jurgen Klopp this summer - shared his observations from his first competitive game in charge of the Anfield side:

“The first half was not so excellent, but in the end it was a good win. The second half was much, much better than the first half. Normally you don’t expect (Ipswich to maintain their intensity) for 90 minutes.

"The whole team stepped up a bit (after half-time), being more aggressive with deep runs in behind. That’s one of the reasons why we scored the first goal.

He added:

“In the first half, we lost far too many duels, but if you give us time and space, you can see how good these players are. That’s what happened in the second half. ... It’s a great way to start the season.”

Liverpool next take on Brentford at home on August 25, having dealt Ipswich a defeat in their first EPL game in 22 years.