Ipswich 2-0 Chelsea: Blues stunned again as former youngster delivers Premier League title blow | OneFootball

Blues haunted by former youngster on frustrating night

Chelsea’s final game of 2024 ended in defeat against Ipswich.

Enzo Maresca’s side arrived at Portman Road on the back of a surprise 2-1 loss at home to west London rivals Fulham on Boxing Day which followed up a goalless draw away at Everton before Christmas.

And that’s where they’ll remain heading into the new year as they trail league leaders Liverpool by 10 points having played a game more than Arne Slot’s side after a frustrating night Suffolk.

Falling behind as early as the 12th minute when Filip Jorgensen, one of five changes to the side that started against Fulham, was adjudged to have brought down Liam Delap in the area and thus conceded a penalty from which the Ipswich striker broke the deadlock with an emphatic finish.

To Chelsea’s credit, they were extremely unfortunate to have trailed at the break as they were well worth the lead, never mind an equaliser based on the chances they created for the remainder of the half.

Joao Felix had a goal disallowed following a lengthy VAR check, Cole Palmer was twice denied by the woodwork, Enzo Fernandez had a close range effort blocked and Moises Caicedo as well as Christopher Nkunku both went close.

The second half started in similar fashion, but against the run of play, the hosts doubled their lead as Omari Hutchinson capitalised on an error from Axel Disasi to score against the club he left permanently in the summer.

Despite turning to the likes of Jadon Sancho and Pedro Neto, Maresca couldn’t inspire his side to a comeback as Ipswich saw out the game relatively comfortably to secure their first home win of the season and first home win in the Premier League for 20 years.