Ipswich pulled off one of the biggest shocks of the Premier League season as former Chelsea man Omari Hutchinson played a starring role in a 2-0 victory over the Blues, and you can watch the highlights below.
Tractor Boys Stun Chelsea
After disappointing recent results, many expected this to be a walk in the park for Chelsea. To many people’s surprise though it was Ipswich who took the lead after 12 minutes against Chelsea.
Enzo Maresca rung in the changes for the game with Filip Jorgensen one of those benefitting by replacing Robert Sanchez.
However, he gave away a penalty for bringing down Liam Delap, with the Ipswich striker making no mistake from the spot to give the Tractor Boys a shock lead after 12 minutes.
In fact, Ipswich could have had more in an impressive opening 20 minutes. Nathan Broadhead agonisingly saw his effort cleared off the line while Jorgensen did well to palm behind a half-volley by Delap to deny him his second.
Chelsea took 20 minutes to wake up with Cole Palmer striking the Ipswich post before Joao Felix had a goal disallowed after he strayed offside.
Felix could have done better with another effort which he tamely struck at the Ipswich goalkeeper. Christian Walton also had to palm behind a thunderous effort from Palmer while Moises Caicedo wildly struck another chance over the crossbar.
Chelsea rued their missed chances as former Blue Omari Hutchinson doubled Ipswich’s lead eight minutes into the second-half.
It came after some brilliant hold-up play from Delap before Hutchinson showed patience to bury his effort past Jorgensen.
Enzo Maresca needed a response from his side. He brought on Nicolas Jackson and Jadon Sancho in an effort to turn around their fortunes.
However, this proved fruitless for the Italian as Ipswich picked up just their third win of the season – one that puts them just one point off safety.
Watch: Ipswich vs Chelsea Highlights
The result means Chelsea remain ten points behind Liverpool in the title race in fourth. The Reds also have a game in hand over Chelsea who now have a huge up-hill task if they are to win the league this season.
It comes as the defeat to Ipswich means the Blues end 2024 with three games without a victory. It was also Ipswich’s first home win since returning to the Premier League.
Chelsea will hope to return to winning ways when they travel to Crystal Palace on January 4. Ipswich will hope to use this result as momentum going into 2025, starting with a tricky away clash at Fulham.
