Ipswich Town battled to a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Aston Villa on Saturday, despite playing the entire second half with ten men. This result was a morale boost for Kieran McKenna’s side as they continue to fight against relegation in the Premier League.
Liam Delap was a standout performer once again, scoring Ipswich’s only goal with a poacher’s finish. Despite having just 26 touches and completing only three accurate passes, the 22-year-old ex-Manchester City striker made the most of his limited chances, converting his second opportunity in the 56th minute to stun Villa Park.
A lovely finish from Liam at Villa Park.
Our no.19 now has 🔟 #PremierLeague goals for the season. ⚽️#AVLIPS pic.twitter.com/uMwUjE6Kkc
— Ipswich Town (@IpswichTown) February 15, 2025
Debutant goalkeeper Alex Palmer was another key figure, making six crucial saves that helped Ipswich hold onto the draw despite Axel Tuanzebe’s dismissal. His efforts prevented 1.79 goals and marked an impressive entrance into the Premier League for the 28-year-old former West Brom shot-stopper.
Omari Hutchinson also played a significant role, setting up Delap’s goal with a surging run that outpaced and outwitted Ian Maatsen. Beyond the assist, Hutchinson showed grit with five tackles and six ground duels won, ensuring Ipswich returned home with a valuable point.
Hutchinson’s performance stood out despite his limited 33 touches—14 fewer than goalkeeper Palmer. His all-around effort, combined with a key assist, makes him a strong contender to remain a regular starter in McKenna’s squad.
While Hutchinson’s season tally of two goals and two assists may not match Delap’s ten Premier League goals, both players demonstrated their importance to Ipswich’s survival hopes. Their starring performances in this determined draw could be crucial in the fight to avoid relegation.
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