Sam Morsy's dramatic added-time equaliser helped Ipswich secure a 1-1 Premier League draw against fellow promoted side Southampton at St Mary’s. Southampton was on the verge of securing their first top-flight victory of the season thanks to an 18-year-old academy graduate, Tyler Dibling, who scored his maiden career goal. However, visiting captain Morsy levelled the score five minutes beyond the 90-minute mark with a deflected drive from the edge of the penalty box.
Both teams remain winless in the league this season, having each played five matches since their promotion from the Sky Bet Championship. Southampton forward Cameron Archer missed two golden opportunities, including hitting the post, to give the hosts some breathing space. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale made several outstanding saves to prevent Omari Hutchinson and George Hirst from equalising before the late twist.
Ipswich arrived in Hampshire after consecutive draws and having defeated Southampton twice last season in the second tier. Manchester City loanee Kalvin Phillips was replaced by Jens Cajuste in the midfield due to a thigh injury. Southampton made four changes, including a first league start this term for Adam Lallana, who quickly justified his selection by setting up a teammate with a delightful through ball.
Despite the early setback, Ipswich initially posed a greater threat. Sammie Szmodics directed a half-volley wide and later missed a close-range free header, albeit from an offside position. Southampton survived more nervy moments but should have extended their lead in the 27th minute. Archer was released by Dibling and, after holding off Jacob Greaves and Dara O’Shea, rounded goalkeeper Muric, only to roll the ball against the base of the left post.
Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna, who dismissed pre-match suggestions that the clash was a six-pointer, would have been frustrated to be behind at the break. Saints keeper Ramsdale saved from Leif Davis and O’Shea before producing a spectacular stop to turn over Hutchinson’s powerful effort in added time. Archer, who missed a pivotal penalty in last weekend’s 3-0 loss to Manchester United, failed to capitalise on another excellent chance early in the second half, poking straight at Muric after escaping O’Shea and Greaves.
Ipswich struggled to rediscover their attacking enterprise from the first half. Substitute Jack Taylor sparked a mass brawl with a mistimed sliding tackle during an ill-tempered spell that disrupted the match's rhythm. McKenna’s men seemed destined to return to Suffolk empty-handed after Ramsdale tipped over a header from substitute Hirst. However, from the resultant corner, the partially-cleared ball fell kindly to Morsy, and his drive took a significant touch of Joe Aribo to fly into the top-left corner.
