Ipswich Town 2-0 Chelsea: Player Ratings β A Stunning Upset at Portman Road
The Tractor Boys roared. Chelsea wilted. Ipswich Townβs 2-0 victory over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup was more than just a win; it was a statement. A resounding declaration that Kieran McKennaβs side are a force to be reckoned with, capable of upsetting even the biggest names in English football. This wasn't just a cup upset; it was a masterclass in tactical awareness, unwavering determination, and clinical finishing. Let's delve into the individual performances with our detailed player ratings:
Ipswich Town Player Ratings:
Goalkeeper:
- Christian Walton (8.5/10): Walton was magnificent. While not overly tested in terms of shot-stopping, his commanding presence in the box, his assured handling of crosses, and his ability to quickly distribute the ball initiated many of Ipswich's attacks. His distribution was key in disrupting Chelsea's rhythm and preventing them from dominating possession. A truly outstanding performance from the Ipswich captain.
Defenders:
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Janoi Donacien (7.5/10): Solid and dependable, Donacien dealt effectively with Chelsea's attacking threats, particularly down the right flank. His tackling was precise, his positioning astute, and his passing generally accurate. He provided a strong defensive foundation.
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Luke Woolfenden (7.0/10): Woolfenden formed a formidable partnership with Burgess, keeping Chelseaβs forwards at bay for much of the game. He was composed under pressure, winning aerial duels and making timely interceptions. A reliable performance from a key member of the backline.
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- Cameron Burgess (8.0/10): Exceptional. Burgess was a rock at the heart of the Ipswich defence. His aerial dominance, strength, and reading of the game were instrumental in neutralizing Chelsea's attack. He made several crucial clearances and tackles, showcasing his experience and composure under pressure. A Man of the Match contender.
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Leif Davis (7.0/10): Davis provided a solid defensive presence on the left-hand side and offered some decent attacking support when the opportunity arose. He was comfortable in possession and showed good positional sense.
Midfielders:
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Nathan Broadhead (7.5/10): His tireless running and intelligent movement caused Chelsea's midfield problems all game. While he didn't get on the scoresheet, his contributions to the team's overall play were immense. His pressing and tackling disrupted Chelseaβs build-up play effectively.
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Marcus Harness (8.0/10): Harness was a constant menace down the right wing, causing havoc with his pace and skill. He delivered some dangerous crosses and kept Chelsea's defence on edge throughout the match. A pivotal player in Ipswich's attacking strategy.
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Sam Morsy (7.0/10): Morsy was the midfield general, dictating the tempo of the game with his passing range and tactical awareness. His interceptions and tackles were crucial in breaking up Chelsea's attacks. A steady and reliable presence in the middle of the park.
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Massimo Luongo (7.5/10): Luongo's composure and passing accuracy in midfield were critical to controlling the tempo of the game. He shielded the defence well and launched several effective counter-attacks.
Forwards:
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Nathan Jones (9.0/10): What a performance! Jones scored a stunning goal, showcasing his composure and clinical finishing. His movement off the ball was exceptional, constantly creating space for himself and his teammates. His work rate was tireless, and his contribution to the victory was undeniable. Man of the Match.
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Freddie Ladapo (8.0/10): Ladapo scored a crucial goal with a powerful header and proved a constant threat to Chelsea's defense. His hold-up play was excellent, bringing teammates into the game effectively. His physicality and aerial ability were key elements of Ipswichβs success.
Chelsea Player Ratings:
The performance of Chelsea was far below expectations, a stark contrast to the Ipswich display. Many players struggled to match the intensity and organization of their opponents.
Goalkeeper:
- Robert SΓ‘nchez (6.0/10): While not directly at fault for either goal, SΓ‘nchez could have done little to stop the powerful headers. He had a relatively quiet game, indicating Ipswich's dominance in the match.
Defenders:
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Reece James (5.5/10): Struggled to contain Harness down the right flank and offered little going forward. A below-par performance for a player of his caliber.
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Axel Disasi (5.0/10): Disasi was outmuscled and outplayed at times by Ipswichβs forwards. He seemed to lack the pace and composure needed to handle the physicality of the game.
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Levi Colwill (5.5/10): A relatively quiet game for Colwill, unable to impose himself on the game like he usually does. He appeared to lack the usual authority in defence.
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Ben Chilwell (6.0/10): Chilwellβs performance was a mixed bag. He showed some attacking intent but was defensively suspect at times. This inconsistency proved costly.
Midfielders:
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Conor Gallagher (5.0/10): Gallagher failed to impose himself on the midfield battle, offering little in terms of creativity or defensive solidity. A disappointing display.
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Enzo FernΓ‘ndez (6.0/10): FernΓ‘ndez displayed flashes of brilliance but lacked the consistency required to dominate the game. He struggled to control the midfield against the more physical Ipswich side.
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Malo Gusto (5.5/10): Gusto was unable to provide the attacking spark expected of him. He failed to influence the game significantly and was ineffective defensively.
Forwards:
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Raheem Sterling (5.0/10): A largely ineffective performance from Sterling, who failed to create any meaningful chances. He was largely anonymous throughout the game.
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Nicolas Jackson (5.5/10): Jackson showed some glimpses of pace and skill but lacked the composure and clinical edge needed to convert his opportunities.
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Mykhailo Mudryk (5.0/10): Mudryk was largely invisible, unable to make any impact on the game. This was a frustrating evening for the winger.
Conclusion:
Ipswich Town's victory was a deserved one, a testament to their tactical prowess, hard work, and unwavering commitment. The player ratings highlight the impressive individual performances across the team. Chelsea, on the other hand, offered a disjointed and uninspired performance, failing to match the intensity and organization of their opponents. This match served as a stark reminder that even the giants of English football can be brought down by a determined and well-drilled team. Ipswich Town's triumph will undoubtedly boost their confidence and further cement their position as a strong contender in the Championship and beyond. The performance will be studied by other teams as a blueprint on how to tackle a seemingly more powerful opponent.