They might have to wait a bit longer for their first win of the season, but based on this performance, Ipswich are not far from achieving it. They denied Aston Villa the opportunity to move level on points with Liverpool at the Premier League summit with a hard-fought 2-2 draw at Portman Road. Liam Delap scored in each half, canceling out strikes from Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins.
For fans who experienced the clubs’ 80s glory days, this meeting was filled with deep nostalgia. Villa, dining at Europe’s top table for the first time since the 1982-83 campaign, were reminded of their history. Ipswich, under Bobby Robson, finished runners-up two seasons after Villa last won the league. Villa fans queued for photos with the statue of a smiling Robson outside the Cobbold Stand before kick-off, honoring the manager who often masterminded victories over their side.
From the moment Liam Delap scored at the near post with eight minutes on the clock, it was evident that Villa were in for a challenging afternoon at Portman Road, reminiscent of Robson’s era. Kieran McKenna made three changes to the side that drew against Southampton last weekend, while Emery made a single change to the team that beat Wolves.
Phillips and Clarke helped to make the opening goal, latching on to Ezri Konsa’s loose pass and teeing up Delap. The stands erupted, but Villa quickly leveled the score through Rogers. Ipswich came close with Tuanzebe and Davis, but Villa gradually took control, leading through Watkins’ header.
Ipswich maintained their tempo after the break, with Clarke and Davis proving a tricky combination. Delap’s second goal, a powerful shot across Martínez, equalized the match. Ipswich nearly took all three points, but Torres made a decisive block. The match ended in a succession of corners, but it finished honors even, lifting Ipswich out of the relegation zone and giving them hope for better days ahead.
