Conor Chaplin’s powerful header secured Ipswich Town’s win over Sunderland, propelling them back into the top two of the Championship and leaving Sunderland in pursuit of a play-off spot.
Southampton’s victory over Sheffield Wednesday earlier in the day had allowed them to surpass Kieran McKenna’s team in the standings. However, Ipswich ended their five-game winless streak in impressive fashion at Portman Road.
Leif Davis delivered a perfectly curled free-kick, allowing Tractor Boys’ forward Chaplin to overpower Anthony Patterson with a forceful finish after Adil Aouchiche committed a careless foul on the wing-back.
This winning goal came just moments after Sunderland squandered their significant opportunity, with substitute Aouchiche’s unfortunate couple of minutes compounded when he failed to find the target with an open goal.
Sunderland initially took the lead in the first half when Jack Clarke blasted the ball past Vaclav Hladky following a pass from Abdoullah Ba. Ipswich leveled the score when new signing Lewis Travis threaded a ball through, and Chaplin deftly redirected it into Kayden Jackson’s path, with the forward elegantly curling the ball beyond Patterson.
Chaplin’s header propelled them into the lead, and there could have been more reasons for home fans to celebrate if not for Luke Woolfenden diverting another Davis free-kick onto the post.
This result provided answers to some questions about Ipswich’s determination, as they overcame a side with aspirations of a top-six finish, rallying from behind to do so after a recent challenging period.
With four draws and a resounding defeat by Leeds, the team faced tests with an injury-depleted squad. However, with key players returning, such as Newcastle-born Davis, and new addition Travis making an impact, they demonstrated the required resilience to secure all three points.
Chaplin played a crucial role, not just with his goal and assist but also with his leadership and attacking contributions. He could have added another goal earlier if not for Patterson.
Wes Burns created problems with a powerful cross, Jackson missed a chance by firing over the bar, and Davis had a formidable effort expertly saved.
Sunderland, coming off a significant defeat in the Tyne-Wear derby against Newcastle in their previous match, aimed to rebound from that disappointment with a positive result in Suffolk.
They displayed encouraging signs, particularly during a first-half period where they controlled possession, and Jobe Bellingham’s attempt was thwarted by Hladky.
However, Michael Beale’s team will view this as a missed opportunity, especially considering Aouchiche’s inability to convert chances and the subsequent decisive strike from Chaplin.
Despite remaining outside the top six on goal difference, Coventry currently holds the final playoff position after their earlier victory against leaders Leicester.