Ipswich earned a deserved win on Portman Road against “Title Challengers ” Chelsea. Ipswich finally landed their first Premier League win since April 2002 against Chelsea. This was the type of win that the club needed, and both the club and its fans were reaching a boiling point, begging for it.
Ipswich was saved by Liam Delap, who scored and converted a penalty before setting up Omari Hutchinson for Ipswich’s second goal. It was a big factor in his side’s downfall in his energetic performance.
However, the title hopes of Chelsea were ended by Ipswich. But they are now ten points adrift of Liverpool in the table, after a string of disappointing results over the festive period. Enzo Maresca acknowledged the team’s struggles but suggested they are not any closer to the title.
Maresca’s decision to replace goalkeeper Robert Sanchez with Filip Jorgensen, after seeing his side cost Blackburn a goal against Fulham, also grabbed some attention. Other selections backfired, including one which paid off in goal. A sluggish, out-of-sorts team, where Joรฃo Fรฉlix’s presence was again absent.
But Chelsea’s weaknesses had been picked apart by Ipswich, who had little to play for. After taking the ball, they started quicker and were recompensed early on. They threatened on the counter-attack but in the end, Delap’s penalty put them ahead.
Despite Chelsea creating chances they could not beat Reina. Usually a prolific scorer, Christopher Nkunku was slow to muster chances and Fรฉlix’s return couldn’t live up to expectations. But he was even caught offside on another potential scoring chance for the team.
Ipswich win against Chelsea
Ipswich’s second goal was the turning point. Delap then set up Hutchinson for a goal against his former club, following a clever Axel Disasi pass to him. Hutchinson’s backflip toward the end showed Ipswich’s determination and will to show they belonged.
Nevertheless, the changes made little difference. Chelsea were under further torment from Delap, and Jackson should have done better with a clear chance. Because Chelsea’s frustration was mounting, the game grew tense. The Chelsea squad was displaying its frayed tempers in a late fracas.
Ipswich erupted into joy at the final whistle. It wasnโt just important points for the clubโs relegation struggle but a historic night, too. Ipswich fans have reason to be optimistic as 2024 draws to an end.
The victory could alter the rest of the Premier League season, as Ipswich beat Chelsea. Their win will no doubt increase their self-belief that they can stay up. So with several key players in form such as Delap and Hutchinson, Ipswich can cause more upsets in the early part of the coming months.
important win for the relegation battle
All the questions must be asked for Chelsea after the defeat, which raises serious doubts about their title ambitions. Now there’s a huge gap to Liverpool and their recent form suggests they’re struggling to keep up a constant challenge.
But with this squad at their disposal, Chelsea cannot be counted out altogether. It comes at an important time for them in January as they attempt to plug the gaps and even bolster their squad.
And thereโs still a lot to play for in the Premier League title race with several teams in contention. Chelsea’s stumbles will allow Manchester City to move up the table. However, the fixtures between these teams ahead are crucial towards deciding if one of them will be crowned champion.
This win has echoed right through the Premier League. Now fans and pundits are looking forward always to seeing how both teams will react to this result. Ipswich knows they can use the momentum to haul themselves off the bottom.
Author’s Opinion
Just another great underdog story that Ipswich was able to turn against a strong Chelsea side in this match. It was Delap’s performance which was most notable and he can be a vital cog for Ipswich in the battle to steer clear of relegation.
On the other hand, if Chelsea wants to engage with the title race they must necessarily reassess their approach. How this defeat exposed their weaknesses was it also let them know that they needed to improve.
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