In the final seconds, Jeremy Sarmiento’s goal secured a dramatic victory for Ipswich Town over 10-man Southampton, propelling them to the top of the Championship table.
Leif Davis’ powerful strike was swiftly countered by Che Adams’ equalizer for the visiting team just a minute later.
Adam Armstrong subsequently put the Saints in the lead with a well-placed shot, but Nathan Broadhead responded in the 68th minute with a quick turn and finish to level the score.
With five minutes remaining, James Bree received a red card for a foul on Davis, setting the stage for Sarmiento’s late heroics.
This result puts Ipswich two points ahead of Leicester City, albeit having played one more game, while also dealing a significant blow to Southampton’s slim chances of automatic promotion.
Ipswich started strongly, as Davis’ fierce shot into the top left corner ignited celebrations at Portman Road. However, Southampton swiftly equalized through Adams, who redirected Joe Aribo’s pass into the net.
The visitors then took the lead thanks to Stuart Armstrong’s determined run and Adam Armstrong’s composed finish past Vaclav Hladky.
Ipswich came close to equalizing in the 65th minute when Al-Hamadi hit the post, but Broadhead ultimately leveled the score with a clinical finish.
In the dying moments, Davis’s cross found Sarmiento, who initially mis-kicked the ball but then instinctively struck it with his right foot, guiding it past Bazunu and securing victory for Ipswich.
Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna told BBC Radio Suffolk:
“I feel really proud of the effort everyone put in there. You have to enjoy moments like that. What a game to be a part of.
“There were so many good things in the performance and so much to improve. It was a real step up for us in quality to play a team like that.
“All of the subs had a great impact and it’s the sign of our culture. All of our players and staff are joyous in the dressing room. We have to enjoy it.”
Southampton head coach Russell Martin told BBC Radio Solent:
“Their (winning) goal came out of nothing. It shouldn’t go in and Gavin (Bazunu) should do better. He’ll know that.
“At 2-2 I thought we’d be the team that could win it but the red card changed everything. We should score more and can’t concede the way we did.
“We came here with so many brilliant performances. It’s so disappointing to lose. We were the best team tonight.
“The performance was great but moments have cost us. There’s 24 points to play for and we have to win every game now.”
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