Blues stumble as Ipswich secure first home win of the season

Chelsea’s struggles continued as Ipswich Town claimed their first Premier League (PL) home victory of the season, triumphing 2-0 at Portman Road. The Blues have now managed just one point in their last three league outings (D1, L2), raising concerns over their fading title ambitions.

Ipswich made an explosive start, with Nathan Broadhead’s early attempt blocked by Tosin Adarabioyo. The Tractor Boys broke the deadlock in the 12th minute when Filip Jörgensen, making just his second PL appearance, fouled Liam Delap in the box. Delap confidently converted the resulting penalty, ending a seven-game goal drought. Minutes later, Delap nearly added a second, but Jörgensen made amends with a crucial save to deny him.

Chelsea pushed for a first-half equaliser, with Cole Palmer coming close twice. His curling free-kick struck the post, and a superb ball to João Félix resulted in a disallowed goal after a lengthy VAR review for offside. Before the break, Christian Walton—also in his second PL appearance—made an impressive save, tipping Palmer’s shot onto the crossbar.

The Blues maintained their intensity after halftime, but Ipswich struck again against the run of play. Axel Disasi’s misplaced pass was intercepted by Delap, who set up former Chelsea man Omari Hutchinson for a clinical finish. Despite dominating possession, Chelsea couldn’t breach Ipswich’s resolute defense, condemning them to their second away defeat in 13 league games (W8, D3).

This result caps a frustrating festive period for Enzo Maresca’s side, leaving them fourth in the league, 10 points adrift of leaders Liverpool, having played one game more. Meanwhile, Ipswich remain in the relegation zone, but their second win in seven matches narrows the gap to safety to just one point as the season’s second half begins.