From Jordan Davies on Portman Road
If Enzo Maresca could swap the No 9s at half-time, I think he would. Liam Delap was epic, terrorizing Chelsea back four and his goal from the spot was worth it.
In comparison, Christopher Nkunku is anonymous, lightweight and absent from all of Chelsea’s good work, initially coming through the great Cole Palmer.
The England star looked like Dennis Bergkamp at times tonight, floating in the air with the golden touch of the match.
Regardless, maybe it’s time for Nicholas Jackson to make an appearance sooner rather than later…
Half Time – Ipswich 1-0 Chelsea
Joao Felix overheats one and with that, it’s half time at Portman Road.
Chelsea have changed a lot in terms of personnel this evening, but so far this match is in line with their others over the festive period.
After a goalless draw at Everton and a home defeat in the west London derby with Fulham, the Blues are now behind Ipswich in 19th place.
The only goal so far came courtesy of Liam Delap’s fiercely-struck penalty, winning a spot-kick after the striker had called himself past keeper Philippe Jorgensen.
Ipswich 1-0 Chelsea
45+2. Play is held for a Chelsea corner while VAR checks for possible foul play on Axel Desassi.
The Chelsea defender must have thrown his hand into an opponent’s face as he tried to wrestle free in the corner, but VAR deemed that was not enough force for a red card.
Ipswich 1-0 Chelsea
45. The board goes up, and at the end of the first half there will be an extra five minutes to play.
That’s a lot, but not as many as the 12 currently played at Villa Park where Aston Villa and Brighton are evenly matched.
Ipswich 1-0 Chelsea
43. Two minutes to half-time, and a call comes from Kieran McKenna on the touchline telling his players to focus.
Ipswich will be desperate to go into the break with this lead in tact, but they may have a fair share of stoppage time to navigate.
Ipswich 1-0 Chelsea
41. Some desperate, though effective defenses from the home side.
Bode-Kukurela squares into the six-yard box, Nkunku lays down to Nzo, and his shot cannons to Maduke.
Later, Wolfenden tripped in the air and Greaves won a free-kick with his header cleared.
