Ipswich Town 2-0 Chelsea: Player Ratings

𝕻𝖆𝖘𝖘𝖎𝖔𝖓 𝕮𝖎𝖙𝖞 𝕮𝖍𝖚𝖗𝖈𝖍 𝕯𝖎𝖌𝖎𝖙𝖆𝖑 𝕸𝖊𝖉𝖎𝖆

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Post on Dec 31, 2024

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Ipswich Town 2-0 Chelsea: Player Ratings - A Stunning Upset at Portman Road

The football world was left reeling on Saturday as Ipswich Town, a Championship side, delivered a stunning 2-0 victory over Premier League giants Chelsea at Portman Road. This wasn't just a win; it was a statement performance, showcasing tactical brilliance, unwavering determination, and individual brilliance from several Tractor Boys. Let's delve into a detailed analysis of the match, providing player ratings for both teams and dissecting the key moments that led to this memorable upset.

Ipswich Town Player Ratings:

Goalkeeper:

• Christian Walton (8.5): Walton was magnificent. His commanding presence in the box, excellent shot-stopping, and crucial clearances kept Chelsea at bay throughout the match. A truly man-of-the-match performance, proving his worth against top-flight opposition. He made several key saves, particularly a stunning reflex stop in the second half to deny a close-range effort from Mykhailo Mudryk. His distribution was also impressive, launching several attacks from the back.

Defenders:

• Leif Davis (7.5): Solid defensively, consistently thwarting Chelsea's attacks down the left flank. He showed great composure and tactical awareness, rarely caught out of position. His crosses were also a threat, though not always finding their target.

• Cameron Burgess (8.0): A rock at the heart of the Ipswich defence. Burgess won countless aerial duels, read the game exceptionally well, and made vital interceptions. His partnership with Woolfenden was the foundation of Ipswich's defensive solidity. He dealt effectively with Chelsea's attacking threats, notably neutralizing the pace of Noni Madueke.

• Luke Woolfenden (7.8): Woolfenden complemented Burgess perfectly, forming an impenetrable wall at the back. His pace and strength were crucial in dealing with Chelsea's attacking forays. He made several timely tackles and clearances, showing composure under pressure. His performance exemplified Ipswich's collective defensive strength.

• Janoi Donacien (7.2): A solid performance from Donacien, who kept Chelsea's right-wing threat under control for much of the game. He offered good support going forward and displayed a good understanding with his midfield counterparts.

Midfielders:

• Nathan Broadhead (7.0): Provided a tireless work rate in midfield, winning back possession and distributing the ball effectively. While not directly involved in the goals, his contribution to the overall team performance was invaluable. He offered crucial defensive support and helped dictate the tempo of the game.

• Sam Morsy (8.2): The captain led by example, showcasing his strength, determination and leadership qualities. His tackles were sharp, interceptions accurate, and his passing was precise, helping to create opportunities. He was the engine room for Ipswich.

• Massimo Luongo (7.5): Luongo dictated the tempo of the midfield with his calm and composed play. His passing was accurate and he provided a creative spark, initiating several dangerous attacks. His experience shone through, helping Ipswich control the midfield battle.

• Marcus Harness (7.8): A constant threat on the right flank, Harness provided width, pace, and a willingness to take players on. His tireless runs and dangerous crosses kept Chelsea's defense occupied. While he didn't score, his impact on the game was significant.

Forwards:

• Nathan Conway (7.3): Worked tirelessly up front, pressing Chelsea's defense and creating space for his teammates. His movement and link-up play were key elements in Ipswich's attacking strategy.

• Conor Chaplin (9.0): The star of the show. Chaplin's two goals were a testament to his clinical finishing and movement. He was a constant menace to the Chelsea defence, displaying intelligence and composure in front of goal. His performance highlighted his ability to perform on the biggest stage.

Chelsea Player Ratings:

Many Chelsea players delivered below-par performances, highlighting the gulf in class not being as significant as expected, and Ipswich's tactical mastery.

Goalkeeper:

• Robert Sanchez (6.0): While not directly at fault for the goals, Sanchez could have done better with at least one of them. He lacked the command and authority expected from a Premier League goalkeeper.

Defenders:

• Axel Disasi (5.5): Struggled against Ipswich's physicality and pace, and was often caught out of position. He failed to dominate in the air as expected, allowing Chaplin space to thrive.

• Thiago Silva (6.0): Despite his experience, Silva appeared unusually vulnerable. While he showed flashes of his quality, the overall performance wasn't up to his usual high standards.

• Ben Chilwell (5.8): Offered little going forward and struggled defensively against Harness.

• Reece James (6.2): Chelsea's best outfield player, showing some attacking impetus but ultimately unable to prevent the defeat.

Midfielders:

• Enzo Fernandez (6.5): Showed flashes of brilliance but lacked the consistent impact expected. He struggled to assert his influence on the game.

• Conor Gallagher (6.0): A relatively quiet game for Gallagher, unable to influence the midfield battle effectively.

• Moises Caicedo (6.0): Struggled to control the tempo of the match against Morsy and Luongo.

Forwards:

• Mykhailo Mudryk (5.5): Failed to make a significant impact. His pace wasn't effectively used, and his end product lacked decisiveness.

• Raheem Sterling (6.0): Showed occasional flashes of brilliance, but lacked the end product to impact the scoreline.

• Noni Madueke (5.0): Failed to make an impact on the game, often isolated and ineffective in attack.

Conclusion:

The 2-0 victory for Ipswich Town over Chelsea was a stunning upset, highlighting the unpredictability of football. The Tractor Boys' performance was a collective effort, with standout performances from Chaplin, Walton, and Burgess. Chelsea, on the other hand, looked disjointed and lacked the intensity required to break down a well-organized Ipswich defense. This match served as a reminder that in football, anything is possible, and even the biggest teams can be vulnerable on their day. The victory will undoubtedly be remembered as a historic moment in Ipswich Town's history.