Everton extended their unbeaten streak to four Premier League matches with a commanding 2-0 victory against a winless Ipswich Town at Portman Road. This result marks a significant turning point for the Toffees, who have struggled early in the season but are now finding their footing.
The match got off to an electrifying start for Everton when Iliman Ndiaye capitalized on some shoddy Ipswich defending. After just a few minutes, Ndiaye pounced on a loose ball, firing home from close range for his third goal of the season. The early strike set the tone for the match and put Ipswich on the back foot.
Everton doubled their lead shortly before halftime, thanks to another defensive blunder from Ipswich. Dwight McNeil skillfully picked out Michael Keane, who unleashed a powerful left-footed shot from a tight angle that found the back of the net. This goal further showcased the defensive lapses that have plagued Ipswich throughout the season.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin had several opportunities to extend Everton’s lead, but he was unable to convert, missing key chances either side of the break. Despite Ipswich’s energetic performance, they struggled to create clear-cut chances, managing only two shots on target throughout the entire match.
This victory is particularly significant for Everton, as it represents their first away win in 16 attempts across all competitions, a streak that dates back to December. After a rocky start to the season, including four consecutive losses and 13 goals conceded, the Toffees have shown improvement, now five points clear of the relegation zone.
“We had a couple of giveaways this season, but today the shape was good,” said Everton manager Sean Dyche in his post-match comments. “The commitment to get bodies behind the ball was evident, and we scored two very pleasing goals. We created numerous chances and could have gone in further ahead.”
Everton Resurgence: A Solid Win Breaks Away-Day Curse
Everton’s defense was resolute, keeping Ipswich at bay for most of the game. The Tractor Boys managed their first shot on target only in the 80th minute, underscoring Everton’s control over the match. Dyche acknowledged the missed opportunities, particularly from Calvert-Lewin, who found himself one-on-one with the Ipswich goalkeeper, Arijanet Muric, but was denied on multiple occasions.
Despite their attacking struggles, Dyche remains optimistic. “We’re showing signs again that we’re a good outfit,” he stated. “I never lack belief in the players and the staff. We are learning from our early season struggles and improving as a team.”
Ipswich, on the other hand, continues to face challenges on both ends of the pitch. Following a dismal 4-1 defeat to West Ham before the international break, they now find themselves with a club record of eight games without a win to start the season. Manager Kieran McKenna voiced his frustrations, noting that both Everton goals stemmed from basic defensive errors that must be addressed.
Despite starting brightly, Ipswich failed to capitalize on their early chances. Jack Clarke missed a golden opportunity to score when he blazed over from close range. Moments later, he thought he had won a penalty, only for the referee to overturn the decision after a VAR review. McKenna expressed his disappointment over the decision, questioning the clarity of the ruling.
The home side’s attacking threat dwindled as the match progressed, with their best opportunities coming late in the game. Cameron Burgess had a header that went over the bar, and Conor Chaplin’s shot was easily saved by Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
As it stands, Ipswich sits just above the relegation zone but finds themselves in a precarious position. With a four-point gap separating them from the teams above, they must quickly turn their fortunes around. Their upcoming match against Leicester will be crucial in determining their trajectory this season.
“We knew it would be a challenging season, and the step up into the Premier League was always going to be significant,” McKenna reflected. “We know where we need to improve, and it’s up to us to turn those margins in our favor.”
As for Everton, this win provides a much-needed boost as they aim to continue their resurgence and climb the Premier League table, demonstrating that they are not to be underestimated as the season unfolds.
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