Player Ratings: Jadon Sancho Recues a Point as Chelsea are Held by Ipswich Town | OneFootball

Chelsea Held to 2-2 Draw by Resilient Ipswich: Player Ratings and Tactical Reflection

What looked, at least on paper, like a straightforward afternoon for Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea turned into something altogether more complicated. Two goals down by half-time, the Blues were left chasing a result against an Ipswich Town side that showed both structure and stubbornness. Ultimately, a moment of real quality from Jadon Sancho salvaged a point, but it was a match that offered more questions than answers for the Stamford Bridge faithful.

Fast Start, Sudden Setback

Chelsea came out with intent, dominating possession and pressing high. But Ipswich, under increasing scrutiny as they battle relegation, struck first — and did so with precision. George Hirst, filling the sizeable boots of the absent Liam Delap, executed a rapid counter, threading through Ben Johnson, who squared the ball for Julio Enciso to finish coolly past Robert Sanchez.

Photo: IMAGO

Before Chelsea could recover, the roles reversed. Enciso, this time the provider, floated in a perfectly measured cross to the far post. Johnson, ghosting in, nodded it home with aplomb. The semi-automated offside review briefly threatened to spoil the moment, but the goal stood. It was Ipswich 2-0, and Maresca’s side were suddenly in need of a response.

Chelsea’s Fightback

Whatever was said in the dressing room during the break had an immediate effect. Within 18 seconds of the restart, Axel Tuanzebe, under minimal pressure, diverted a cross into his own net — Chelsea were back in it. What followed was relentless pressure from the home side, but Alex Palmer in the Ipswich goal produced a trio of critical saves, each one more vital than the last.

Eventually, with ten minutes to go, Jadon Sancho — a player whose form and future have been under constant scrutiny — provided a moment of rare class. Collecting the ball on the edge of the box, he bent a curling effort into the top corner, bringing Chelsea level and the crowd to life.

Still, it ended 2-2. For Ipswich, a point that feels like a win. For Chelsea, another reminder that possession and quality don’t always translate into results.

Defensive Issues Remain for Maresca

Despite their attacking dominance in phases, Chelsea once again looked vulnerable in transition. Ipswich didn’t create a plethora of chances, but they didn’t need to — their clinical edge, combined with Chelsea’s sloppy defending, did the damage. The double pivot of Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo offered technical quality but little control off the ball.

Photo: IMAGO

Ben Johnson, often inconsistent in larger fixtures, was electric. Enciso, too, showed that he’s more than capable of impacting games at this level. For Chelsea, Cole Palmer and Sancho were bright spots, but Enzo Maresca will know his side cannot afford to be so charitable at the back.

Chelsea Player Ratings

Ipswich Town Player Ratings

Final Word:For all their possession and flair, Chelsea remain a work in progress under Maresca. Ipswich, meanwhile, showed tactical discipline and character in spades. There’s work ahead for both managers, but Sunday’s draw may end up meaning more for the visitors.