Liverpool took home their first victory of the season against Ipswich Town, running out 2-0 victors at Portman Road on Friday night.
Alexander Isak's quickfire brace stole the headlines; however, the Reds kept their first clean sheet of the season, which is especially encouraging after Andoni Iraola's men conceded four goals across their opening two fixtures.
With Ronald Araújo making his first start for Liverpool at right-back, during the Reds' most convincing performance of the season, could this be something we come to expect going forward?
Araújo offers a solution
Araújo's inclusion in the starting lineup could prove to be a solution to one of Liverpool's biggest problems this season, showcasing his defensive nous and composure at right-back while helping the Reds take home all three points.
The Uruguayan offers a completely different profile to Jeremie Frimpong, with Araújo being more physically imposing and defensively sound than the Dutchman, who specialises further up the field and profiles closer to a typical wing-back.
Given his defensive profile, Araújo looked far more comfortable playing this role for Iraola's side, prioritising his defensive duties and shoring up Liverpool's right flank, while still being competent enough with the ball to help his team in possession.
Additionally, the Reds have an abundance of attacking quality elsewhere, so sacrificing Frimpong's dynamism in favour of Araújo's security is a trade Liverpool can afford to make, especially with Milos Kerkez operating on the other flank, who operates more as a modern fullback.
Despite the promise shown by Araújo at Portman Road, it is still far too early to conclude that the 27-year-old has solved Liverpool's fullback crisis, but his performance offered enough encouragement to Andoni Iraola to consider him as a starting option moving forward.
Defensive Improvements
One of the biggest changes Liverpool showed during Friday night's performance was their ability to remain calm and compact when they lost the ball, and to limit the Tractor Boys to very few opportunities.
Iraola's side have looked incredibly vulnerable at the back, with the team struggling to deal with balls in the air and ultimately conceding from one through Dan Ndoye last weekend at Anfield.
The Reds won 68% of the aerial duels they contested against Ipswich, 14% more than they did last time out against Nottingham Forest, with Araújo having a major influence after winning all six of his aerial battles, compared to Frimpong, who didn't even contest one aerial duel against Forest.
Ipswich also generated more expected goals than Liverpool in this game, however, this can be chalked down to the game state and the fact the Reds felt comfortable to let the home side attack them after storming to a two goal lead.
Even with Gary O'Neil's side chasing the game for over 80 minutes, Liverpool still limited them to just 0.75 xG, with a large portion being efforts from distance and comfortable saves for Alisson Becker, with the away side never looking in any real danger.
Ultimately, Liverpool's ability to keep Ipswich at arm's length without losing their composure or structure was one of the more encouraging signs from their first victory of the season, suggesting that the Reds are beginning to adapt to their new head coach.
Building momentum
Liverpool's first win under Iraola provides the side with a strong platform to build from, and if the players can continue to adapt to the style and intensity of their new Spanish coach, performances and results could be increasingly positive for Liverpool.
With Isak rediscovering his goalscoring form for the first time in a red shirt, Cody Gakpo looking rejuvenated and contributing heavily to Liverpool's attack, and now Araújo offering Liverpool's back line more security, there are plenty of reasons for optimism on Merseyside.
There is still plenty of work to do, and a long season ahead, but Andoni Iraola's Reds have taken an important step in the right direction.
