From Jordan Davies at Portman Road
If Enzo Maresca could swap No.9s at half-time, I reckon he would. Liam Delap has been epic, terrorising the Chelsea back four and well worth his goal from the spot.
In comparison, Christopher Nkunku has been anonymous, lightweight and absent from all of Chelsea’s good work, coming primarily through the superb Cole Palmer.
The England star has looked like Dennis Bergkamp at times tonight, floating on air with the golden touch to match.
Regardless, maybe it is time for Nicolas Jackson to make an appearance sooner rather than later…
Half-time – Ipswich 1-0 Chelsea
Joao Felix overhits one and with that, it’s half-time at Portman Road.
Chelsea are much-changed in terms of personnel this evening, but so far this match has been in keeping with their others over the festive period.
After a goalless draw at Everton and a home defeat in the West London derby with Fulham, the Blues are now behind at 19th-placed Ipswich.
The only goal so far came courtesy of Liam Delap’s fiercely struck penalty, a spotkick won after the striker had manoeuvred himself beyond recalled keeper Filip Jorgensen.
Ipswich 1-0 Chelsea
45+2. Play is held up ahead of a Chelsea corner while VAR check for a possible act of violent conduct by Axel Disasi.
The Chelsea defender certainly threw his hands into the face of an opponent as he attempted to wrestle free at corner, but VAR feel it was not with enough force to warrant a red card.
Ipswich 1-0 Chelsea
45. The board goes up, and there will be five additional minutes to play at the end of the first half.
It’s a lot, but not as much as the 12 that are currently being played at Villa Park where Aston Villa and Brighton are level at one apiece.
Ipswich 1-0 Chelsea
43. Two minutes until half-time, and there’s a call from Kieran McKenna on the touchline that tells his players to concentrate.
Ipswich will be desperate to get in at the break with this lead in tact, but there could be a fair chunk of stoppage time for them to navigate too.
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