Chelsea’s bid to climb again into the Premier League title race suffered a significant blow as lowly Ipswich beat the Blues 2-0 at Portman Street on Monday.
Enzo Maresca’s aspect had been rocked by Liam Delap’s early penalty and a second half purpose from former Chelsea winger Omari Hutchinson.
Chelsea’s second successive defeat after their Boxing Day loss towards Fulham left them and not using a win of their final three matches.
The west Londoners had emerged as shock title contenders after an eight-match profitable run in all competitions.
However Maresca had insisted all through that spell that Chelsea’s inexperienced squad shouldn’t have what it takes to win the title in his first season after arriving from Leicester.
And the Italian’s prediction seems spot on after a shock lead to Suffolk that leaves Chelsea in fourth place, 10 factors behind leaders Liverpool, who’ve a sport in hand.
Third-bottom Ipswich climb inside one level of security after profitable for the second time of their final 4 matches.
Kieran McKenna’s aspect have renewed perception they’ll keep away from relegation again to the Championship because of their first top-flight house win in 22 years.
Ipswich took the battle to Chelsea proper from the beginning as Delap bullied the guests’ defence in pugnacious vogue.
Delap raced onto Leif Davis’ inch-perfect move within the twelfth minute and went to floor after the faintest of kicks by Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen.
Referee John Brooks awarded the spot-kick and Delap drilled into the underside nook for his seventh purpose of the season.
Cole Palmer nearly levelled instantly when his free-kick from 22 yards smacked towards the submit.
Palmer’s very good left-footed cross was transformed by Joao Felix halfway by means of the primary half however the Portugal striker’s highly effective end was disallowed for offside after a prolonged VAR verify.
Simply earlier than half-time, Palmer’s very good 20-yard roller regarded destined for the highest nook after Felix’s lay-off, just for Christian Walton to brilliantly parry onto the crossbar
Felix’s header was cleared off the road by Wes Burns early within the second half earlier than Walton thwarted Noni Madueke’s low effort.
Chelsea’s profligacy got here again to hang-out them as Ipswich doubled their lead within the 53rd minute.
Axel Disasi carelessly handed straight to Delap on the midway line and he ran at Levi Colwill earlier than passing again to Hutchinson.
Intelligently working a yard of house, Hutchinson drilled into the underside nook.
It was a particular purpose for Hutchinson towards a membership that launched him twice from their youth workforce.
Chelsea had been unable to muster a response as Ipswich inflicted a painful defeat with repercussions at each ends of the desk.
AFP
