Ipswich celebrated a primary Premier League victory at Portman Street since 2002 after Chelsea have been sunk by a participant they offered in the summertime and one whose path to the highest had been aided by Enzo Maresca. Chelsea, who would have ended 2024 in second had they received, fell behind to an early penalty from Liam Delap, Maresca’s protege as an under-21 at Manchester Metropolis.
And victory was sealed by a second-half objective from Omari Hutchinson, a participant earlier managers at Stamford Bridge had deemed worthy of simply two appearances. Not since a youthful Darren Bent had downed Middlesbrough 22 years in the past had Ipswich loved a top-flight success in Suffolk and this one gave them real hopes of beating the drop, regardless of nonetheless being within the relegation zone.
Either side have been much-changed following post-Christmas defeats – and every introduced in a contemporary goalkeeper. Christian Walton changed the error-prone Aro Muric for the hosts and Chelsea swapped unconvincing Robert Sanchez for Filip Jorgensen. On Friday, Ipswich had parked the bus at Arsenal, which resulted in a 1-0 loss, however they have been way more open from the off on this one.
Hutchinson, purchased from Chelsea for £18 million in the summertime, arrange Nathan Broadhead for a shot that was blocked by Tosin Adarabioyo however, inside seconds, Cole Palmer had nearly performed Christopher Nkunku in on the different finish. Within the tenth minute Ipswich have been awarded a penalty when Jorgensen rushed out to satisfy Leif Davis’s cross from the left as Delap slid in. The Ipswich striker hardly had management of the ball however contact had been made by a trailing leg and VAR Michael Oliver didn’t search to overrule referee John Brooks.
Delap fired house the spot kick and was again once more shortly afterwards when Hutchinson charged down Marc Cucurella’s clearance. Delap hit the ball goalwards and Jorgensen did effectively to bat it away. Fortune favoured Ipswich within the twenty first minute when Palmer smacked a free-kick past Walton’s dive however on to a publish. Nkunku was first to the rebound however shot straight on the goalkeeper.
Two minutes later Joao Felix transformed Palmer’s ball to the again publish from a decent angle however had been simply offside. VAR took an age to conclude the pretty apparent. Ipswich followers additionally loved Hutchinson sending Cucurella flying and the Spaniard firing an excellent probability huge quickly after. Moises Caicedo was additionally responsible of poor ending. Ipswich managed to interrupt out ultimately, with Jorgensen denying Delap at his close to publish.
A breathless half ended with Walton tipping Palmer’s shot on to the bar. The second half started as the primary had ended, with Chelsea urgent for an equaliser. Wes Burns headed a Felix header off the road earlier than Walton blocked a shot from Noni Madueke at his close to publish. Delap and Hutchinson had different concepts nonetheless and doubled the lead through Axel Disasi’s error.
The defender’s cross to Adarabioyo was intercepted by Delap, who loped into the field. Adarabioyo held him up however Delap was capable of tee up Hutchinson, who took a contact earlier than steering a low shot past Jorgensen. Maresca determined he had had sufficient of rotating and despatched on Nicolas Jackson for the ineffective Felix.
Delap ran at Chelsea once more however this time blasted over earlier than Nkunku was changed by Jadon Sancho – and Caicedo was booked for illegally halting Delap. Broadhead examined Jorgensen at his close to publish as Ipswich counter-attacked once more and time started to expire for Chelsea, whose enchantment for a penalty when a clearance hit Jacob Greaves on an arm have been ignored by the officers.
One other Delap solo mission compelled Jorgensen right into a save earlier than Jackson poked huge on the different finish – and was offside anyway. Davis and Chelsea substitute Malo Gusto have been concerned in a late bust-up by which each have been booked.
10:24 PM GMT‘To get three factors is all the time welcome’
Ipswich City supervisor Kieran McKenna talking to BBC Sport:
It was every little thing it wanted to be, I believed we got here out actually quick, actually aggressive, tried to impose ourselves on the sport. We defended, excellent organisation all through the sport. We have been having possibilities all through the sport.
I believed Liam [Delap] was unimaginable tonight. He was considered one of many unimaginable performances tonight.
On the consequence:
There was hope within the performances generally, we’ve got been competing in nearly each sport. In the event you do this, you all the time have an opportunity. We’re just a few factors brief with what we might have had. To get three factors tonight is all the time welcome, after all. We’re in video games and we’re not too far-off.
10:11 PM GMT‘We have to play with the identical depth and want’
Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella talking to Sky Sports activities:
We created lots of possibilities. We conceded two straightforward objectives after which we needed to play a distinct sport. We have now to proceed, we’ve performed lots of video games and might take some optimistic issues. Folks requested what we anticipated these first few months and nobody anticipated this degree. However we have to proceed on this manner. We’ve performed effectively to date this season we have to proceed to work arduous and attempt to undo these small errors.
Typically we’ve got good luck generally not it’s a part of soccer however we’ve got to take positives and watch and assessment clips the place we will enhance. After we win we aren’t the perfect however once we lose we aren’t the worst. We have now to proceed on this manner and attempt to win the video games.
We conceded the early objective and we needed to play extra with passing after which the second we misplaced our manner a bit with errors. We have to play all the time in the identical model and take our time however we rushed and made errors. In January we’ve got time to enhance, prepare arduous and proceed.
We have to play with the identical depth and want. Typically we rush and rush to win however I believe we’ve got performed effectively this primary six months. Perhaps we’ve got been higher than individuals anticipated other than the final two video games.
10:08 PM GMTIpswich striker Liam Delcap talking to Sky Sports activities:
On his penalty:
I don’t know what clipped me however one thing did. I simply tried to get there earlier than him [Filip Jorgensen] and he was popping out quick so I knew he’d contact me if I didn’t get it spherical him.
We’ve had three or 4 alternatives the place we’ve not had the penalty we in all probability deserved so good to get that one and put it behind the web. I’ve practiced them 1,000,000 occasions so simply aimed for the nook and put it there.
I don’t suppose it modifications a lot. We’ve carried out in addition to that in different video games this season however not received the consequence. Not completed our possibilities or conceded late. We simply have to push on now and get extra victories.
09:56 PM GMTFull-time Aston Villa 2 Brighton 2
What an awesome sport at Villa Park tonight!
Lamptey’s late equalier earns a degree for Brighton – though they nonetheless stay winless in seven video games.
Adingra gave Brighton the early lead earlier than Watkins equalised for Aston Villa with a penalty. Then Rogers put Unai Emery’s facet forward inside two minutes of the second half however they may cease Brighton from equalising late on.
09:53 PM GMT90+3 min: Aston Villa 2 Brighton 2
What an opportunity for Aston Villa as Ollie Watkins blasts over! John McGinn’s set piece lands on the toes of the striker however he smashes the shot effectively astray.
Is that Aston Villa’s final probability of the sport?
09:51 PM GMT90 min: Aston Villa 2 Brighton 2
Six minutes of added time at Villa Park.
Igor’s cross from a deep place is effectively overhit and goes out for a objective kick – an actual alternative wasted by Brighton.
09:48 PM GMTFull time: Ipswich 2 Chelsea 0
What a consequence for Ipswich and Kieran McKenna – a primary Premier League house win this season. Liam Delap and Omari Hutchinson leaving their mark on the victory.It was an excellent efficiency from the hosts!
Nevertheless, for Enzo Maresca’s facet – they finish 2024 with back-to-back defeats and effectively again on league-leaders Liverpool.
09:46 PM GMT90+3: Ipswich 2 Chelsea 0
Kieran McKenna makes his modifications.Delap and Hutchinson make manner for the house facet. Taylor and Al Hamadi enter the fray for the hosts.
09:43 PM GMT85 min: Aston Villa 2 Brighton 2
Unai Emery has responded to the Brighton equaliser by making a triple change. Barkley, Maatsen and Onana are for Digne, Kamara and Tielemans.
Villa are fading right here – you sense Unai Emery ought to have made these modifications loads earlier within the second half.
09:41 PM GMT90 min: Ipswich 2 Chelsea 0
5 minutes have been added onto the second half at Portman Street. Fernandez blazes his effort effectively over the bar – one other wasted alternative for the guests.
09:38 PM GMT81 min: Aston Villa 2 Brighton 2GOAL
Brighton can odor an equaliser and so they have one! Area opens up for Minteh who lays the ball off for Pedro and he strikes it on another for Lamptey.
Lamptey slams the shot previous Martinez into the underside left nook.
Sport on at Villa Park now!
09:33 PM GMT81 min: Ipswich 2 Chelsea 0
Modifications for each groups. On come Malo Gusto and Pedro Neto for Noni Madueke and Axel Disasi.
And for the hosts Kalvin Phillips and Sam Szmodics exchange Jens Cajuste and Nathan Broadhead.
09:30 PM GMT79 min: Ipswich 2 Chelsea 0
Jackson’s put via by Fernandez and places his effort huge, lacking an enormous alternative for Chelsea to get again into this sport.
Nevertheless, the linesman’s flag is delayed going up for offside.
09:27 PM GMT68 min: Aston Villa 2 Brighton 1
What an opportunity for Joao Pedro! It begins with Boubacar Kamara getting caught on the ball contained in the Villa half – Pedro is thru on objective. Nevertheless, he bizarrely opts for energy over placement and blasts it huge.
That was such an awesome probability for Brighton to equalise!
09:23 PM GMT72 min: Ipswich 2 Chelsea 0
Ipswich proceed to look harmful on the break – the Portman Street trustworthy are loving this! Jorgenson has to make one other sturdy save to cease a venomous Delap shot.
09:21 PM GMT65 min: Aston Villa 2 Brighton 1
The guests deliver on Mitoma, Minteh and Rutter for Enciso, Adingra and Gruda. These modifications have been wanted – Hurzeler must inject some power and tempo into his facet.
09:18 PM GMT62 min: Aston Villa 2 Brighton 1
Ollie Watkins is inflicting the Brighton backline all types of issues! Digne will get ahead and delivers a cross from the left. Watkins leaps to satisfy the ball and steers his header straight at Verbruggen.
09:15 PM GMT66 min: Ipswich 2 Chelsea 0
Cole Palmer swings a cross within the field that requires consideration from Walton who gathers for Ipswich. Chelsea should be extra scientific within the closing third if they’re to stage a fightback at Portman Street.
09:13 PM GMT55 min: Aston Villa 2 Brighton 1
The hosts have began the second half so effectively.They’re urgent excessive and piling a lot strain on the Brighton backline – Unai Emery’s workforce discuss at half-time has actually labored.
09:11 PM GMT60 min: Ipswich 2 Chelsea 0
Enzo Maresca has seen sufficient and replaces Joao Felix with Nicholas Jackson. His facet are staring down back-to-back defeats for the primary time this season.
09:07 PM GMT52 min: Ipswich 2 Chelsea 0GOAL
Omari Hutchinson scores towards his former membership!
Disasi provides the ball away carelessly and Liam Delap drives into the penalty space. He slots the ball throughout for Hutchinson who bides his time – he picks his spot and finishes calmly into the underside nook.
And what a celebration from the previous Chelsea participant!
09:04 PM GMT46 min: Aston Villa 2 Brighton 1GOAL
We’re again underway at Villa Park and what a begin for the hosts. But once more Ollie Watkins is concerned within the motion. He performs a beautiful cross in behind for Rogers – he controls the ball effectively to fireplace into the underside left nook together with his second contact.
It was a elegant end and what an ideal begin for Unai Emery’s facet within the second half.
09:00 PM GMT47 min: Ipswich 1 Chelsea 0
Again underway at Portman Street for the second half. Can Chelsea muster a consequence? A victory would ship the West London facet second within the Premier League desk.
Whereas for Ipswich, they’re 45 minutes away from incomes their first house win of the season.
08:47 PM GMTHalf-time: Aston Villa 1 Brighton 1
12 minutes of added time has lastly ended at Villa Park. Adingra scored for Brighton to provide the guests an early lead.
Then Villa had a penalty enchantment dismissed after an extended VAR test however they have been then awarded one after Morgan Rodgers was fouled by Joao Pedro.
Ollie Watkins tucked house the penalty for the hosts.
08:43 PM GMT45+9: Aston Villa 1 Brighton 1
Ollie Watkins is having an awesome sport! The Aston Villa striker tries to squeeze a shot from a decent angle which Lewis Dunk deflects to the improper facet of the publish – given the hosts a nook.
Watkins meets the set piece though this effort is simply astray. That was an actual probability for the hosts to double their lead – Watkins ought to have scored.
08:41 PM GMTHalf-time: Ipswich 1 Chelsea 0
Right here we go, half-time at Portman Street as Kieran McKenna’s facet lead after an early Liam Delap penalty.
Chelsea have grown into the half – responding effectively with Joao Felix equaliser. Nevertheless, the objective was chalked off by VAR for offside.
08:38 PM GMT45+4 min: Aston Villa 1 Brighton 1
Elegant defending from Tariq Lamptey – he might have simply stopped Brighton from going behind at Villa Park with an excellent sort out on Ollie Watkins.
08:36 PM GMT45+2 min: Aston Villa 1 Brighton 1
Proper, 12 minutes of added time at Villa Park. Pedro’s head damage within the opening minutes have brought on the massive delay and naturally there was two prolonged VAR checks.
08:34 PM GMT45 min: Ipswich 1 Chelsea 0
What a save from Walton! Cole Palmer tries to wrap the ball into the web from the sting of the realm however the Ipswich goalkeeper pulls out a elegant one-handed save to disclaim the Chelsea ahead.
08:33 PM GMT41 min: Aston Villa 1 Brighton 1
Aston Villa are gaining momentum right here – Tielemans sends a shot from distance which is narrowly astray.
Now, Leon Baily out muscle groups Adringa down the left-hand facet and fires a cross into the center. Ollie Watkins rises however he can’t get sufficient energy on his header to steer it previous Verbruggen.
08:28 PM GMT38 min: Ipswich 1 Chelsea 0
What a sport Liam Delap is having right here! He carries the ball into the realm and beats the Chelsea backline. Delap shoots however Jorgenson will get right down to make the save.
08:25 PM GMT34 min: Aston Villa 1 Brighton 1GOAL
One other penalty shout at Villa Park! Joao Pedro tries to clear the ball however as an alternative appears to kick the boot of Morgan Rodgers. Referee Craig Pawson has a glance on the monitor and factors to the spot.
Ollie Watkins buries the penalty – sending Bart Verbruggen the improper manner. He has been the forgotten man at Villa Park in latest months with Jhon Duran taking his place within the facet.
08:21 PM GMT30 min: Ipswich 1 Chelsea 0
Chelsea are gaining momentum right here at Portman Street. As Madueke feeds Felix on the sting of the realm. Nevertheless, Felix’s effort is blocked into the trail by Cucurella who catches the ball effectively however fires it huge for the guests.
08:18 PM GMT27 min: Aston Villa 0 Brighton 1
That’s improbable play from Aston Villa as Morgan Rogers nutmegs Jan Paul van Hecke earlier than the Brighton gamers slides in with a slipshod problem. Right here we go, VAR are checking it.
Proper test over, no penalty will probably be given.
08:14 PM GMT24 min: Ipswich 1 Chelsea 0GOAL
And the guests have equalised courtesy of Joao Felix. He pounces onto Cole Palmer’s ball and fires the ball into the again of internet.
What a begin for Felix on his return to the beginning line-up for Chelsea. VAR is checking the objective for offside. Undecided if Joao Felix went too early?
Proper it won’t depend as Felix is judged to be offside. Ipswich restore their lead.
08:11 PM GMT21 min: Aston Villa 0 Brighton 1
Higher play from the hosts as Leon Baily wins a free-kick for Aston Villa. Nevertheless, nothing comes from it because the Brighton backline cope with it.
Unhealthy information for Aston Villa followers as Pau Torres is at the moment down receiving remedy off the pitch. Tyrone Mings is stripping off and prepared on the bench.
08:08 PM GMT18 min: Ipswich 1 Chelsea 0
Chelsea can’t deal with the depth of Ipswich’s urgent – they preserve being turned over in possession in harmful areas.
It has been a really poor begin for Maresca’s facet as he opted to ring within the modifications after their defeat to Fulham.
08:04 PM GMT12 min: Aston Villa 0 Brighton 1GOAL
The guests strike first at Villa Park! Lewis Dunk hits a elegant ahead cross which Pedro chases down.
The Aston Villa backline can’t cope with it and and Adingra backs up his striker to gather the unfastened ball.
Adingra cuts inside and bends an exquisite curling effort into the underside proper nook. Emiliano Martinez had no probability – he’s screaming at his defence.
08:01 PM GMT11 min: Ipswich 1 Chelsea 0GOAL
The hosts work the ball ahead and Davis threads it via for Liam Delap, who seems to be to be shedding his stability. The striker is worn out by Filip Jorgenson and referee instantly factors to the spot.
Right here we go – a giant second for the hosts!
A superbly dispatched penalty by Liam Delap, who fires the ball into the again of the web.
07:57 PM GMT8 min: Ipswich 0 Chelsea 0
Liam Delap has began the sport effectively for the hosts. Delap sees Tosin come out on high this time as he out muscle groups the Ipswich striker to maintain possession for Chelsea on the sting of the penalty space.
07:55 PM GMT6 min: Aston Villa 0 Brighton 0
We’re again underway at Villa Park Excellent news for Brighton followers as Joao Pedro is again on the pitch.
07:53 PM GMT4 min: Ipswich 0 Chelsea 0
Elsewhere at Portman Street, Liam Delap is inflicting the Chelsea backline all types of issues – as earns the hosts a free-kick.
07:50 PM GMT2 min: Aston Villa 0 Brighton 0
Early drama at Villa Park as Joao Pedro and Boubcar Kamara conflict heads within the opening two minutes. Each are having to obtain medical remedy with blood showing from the face of the Brazilian.
07:46 PM GMT1 min: Ipswich 0 Chelsea 0
We’re underway at Portman Street with Ipswich kicking issues off going from proper to left whereas proceedings are additionally up and operating at Villa Park.
07:45 PM GMTHere come the groups
Aston Villa and Brighton gamers are rising from the tunnel at Villa Park as kick-off is moments away!
07:43 PM GMTCan Brighton finish terrible report at Villa Park?
There have been 33 conferences between each groups. It’s Aston Villa who’ve by far the higher report, profitable 18 matches. Brighton have six victories, leaving 9 attracts,.
Solely of these successes for Brighton has come at Villa Park – sadly there have been no supporters to observe it. Danny Welbeck and Solly March scored within the 2-1 win throughout the 2020-21 lockdown season.
07:37 PM GMTHow the underside of the Premier League desk seems to be
A win for Ipswich will see Kieran McKenna’s facet leapfrog Leicester Metropolis and shut in on Seventeenth-place Wolves.
07:33 PM GMTThe scene at Portman Street
07:17 PM GMTHow issues at the moment stand within the Premier League desk
Right here’s a glimpse on the high seven forward of tonight’s motion. Arne Slot’s facet will head into 2025 on the high of the league no matter what occurs tonight after they beat West Ham on Monday evening.
Chelsea might transfer as much as second with victory at Portman Street whereas Aston Villa would additionally increase as much as sixth with a win over Brighton.
07:14 PM GMTManchester United vs Newcastle
Comply with the most recent from tonight’s with Rob Bagchi.
The headline workforce information for Manchester United is Marcus Rashford is again within the squad.
Midfielders Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte are suspended so Casmiro and Christian Eriksen are available in to exchange them.
07:09 PM GMTFree soccer publication
Evaluation of the large matches, interviews with the highest gamers and stories on crucial points – join the perfect of Telegraph Soccer, in your inbox each Monday.
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07:05 PM GMT‘At this time is Ollie Watkins’ day’
Unai Emery talking to Sky Sports activities:
At this time is Ollie Watkins’ day. We try to get our performances high quality and attempt to discover consistency. We’re enjoying lots of matches and we’re kind of being constant. We’re feeling sturdy and respecting the opponent. They’re enjoying effectively and demanding loads with out the ball. They’re two factors beneath us.
We’re all opponents and nonetheless being a contender for the highest seven positions. Nottingham [Forest] are performing very effectively and better than us. Now we’re specializing in this match solely, the three factors.
07:01 PM GMTOllie Watkins begins for Villa while Brighton make 4 modifications
Unai Emery has made three modifications to the Aston Villa facet that misplaced 3-0 to Newcastle as Diego Carlos, Ollie Watkins and Leon Bailey come into the beginning line-up.
Jhon Duran misses the sport via suspension, whereas Matty Money and Amadou Onana drop to the bench.
Aston Villa XI: Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans; Bailey, McGinn, Rogers; Watkins.
Substitutes: Olsen, Mings, Barkley, Buendia, Philogene, Nedeljkovic, Maatsen, Onana, Ramsey.
As for Brighton they make 4 modifications to the workforce that drew 0-0 with Brentford. In come Tariq Lamptey, Igor Julio, Simon Adingra and Yasin Ayari.
Brighton XI: Verbruggen; Lamptey, Van Hecke, Dunk, Igor; Ayari, Baleba; Gruda, Enciso, Adingra; Pedro.
Substitutes: Steele, March, Rutter, Moder, Minteh, Mitoma, O’Riley, Veltman, McConville.
06:56 PM GMTMaresca makes wholesale modifications and Walton begins in objective for Ipswich
The headline workforce information for Chelsea is that Robert Sanchez is changed by Filip Jorgensen
Nicholas Jackson drops to the bench, with Christopher Nkunku anticipated to steer the road in his place. Reece James makes his first match day squad since November 10.
Chelsea XI: Jorgensen, Disasi, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernandez, Madueke, Palmer, Felix, Nkunku
Substitutes: Sanchez, Acheampong, Gusto, JAmes, Veiga, Neto, Sancho, Guiu, Jackson
For Ipswich, membership captain Sam Morsy is again from suspension to begin as Kieran McKenna makes 4 modifications after the defeat at Arsenal.
Ipswich XI: Walton, Burns, O’Shea, Woolfenden, Greaves, Davis, Morsey, Cajuste, Hutchinson, Broadhead, Delap
Substitutes: Muric, Johnson, Townsend, Phillips, Taylor, Chaplin, Szmodics, J Clarke, Al-Hamadi
06:39 PM GMTPreview: Chelsea seeking to return to profitable methods
Good night and welcome Telegraph Sport’s stay protection of Ipswich vs Chelsea and Aston Villa vs Brighton – each video games kicking off at 7.45pm.
Chelsea want to get again to profitable methods tonight towards Ipswich. Enzo Maresca’s facet have seen their title cost falter over the Christmas interval. Firstly, a draw towards Everton adopted by a primary house loss to Fulham in 45 years delivered to an finish a five-game profitable streak – leaving the west London facet 10 factors behind league leaders Liverpool.
On the different finish of the desk, Ipswich face an uphill battle to stay within the league. There has not been a lot to rejoice at Portman Street this season, with Ipswich the one facet but to win a sport at house this season. Kieran McKenna’s facet have solely scored six objectives in 9 video games and have been comprehensively overwhelmed 4-0 by Newcastle United of their final house sport.
And but, three factors is all that separates them from Wolves – with new supervisor Vitor Periera making it back-back victories since taking cost. Everton (17 factors), Crystal Palace (17) and Wolves (15) are the one ones nonetheless inside double-digit factors, whereas the three newly promoted sides occupy the underside three as 2024 attracts to a detailed.
In the meantime, Aston Villa have to rapidly bounce again from their 3-0 defeat to Newcastle United on Boxing Day as they host Brighton this night.
To make issues worse for Unai Emery’s facet, striker Jhon Duran was despatched off at St James’ Park – so now Aston Villa are with out their main goalscorer for the subsequent three video games. This now leaves the door open for Ollie Watkins to return.
In the meantime, Brighton are a spot behind Aston Villa in tenth. Fabian Hurzeler’s facet have pale from a robust begin and are and not using a win in six video games. That is now their worst run of type in nearly three years and in stark distinction to how effectively they started the season.
With simply 4 wins within the final 22 Premier League away video games via, failure to win tonight at Villa Park might see Brighton drop into the underside half of the desk heading into 2025 – it was solely a month in the past once they appeared like top-four contenders.
Workforce information coming quickly . . .