Everton extended their unbeaten run to four Premier League matches with a commanding 2-0 victory against winless Ipswich Town at Portman Road. This crucial win marks a turning point for the Toffees, who are beginning to find their rhythm after a rocky start to the season.
The match got off to a thrilling start for Everton when Iliman Ndiaye capitalized on some careless Ipswich defending. Just minutes into the game, he pounced on a loose ball, firing home from close range to secure his third goal of the season. This early strike set the tone for the match and put Ipswich on the back foot.
Everton doubled their lead just before halftime, thanks again to defensive lapses from Ipswich. Dwight McNeil skillfully found Michael Keane, who blasted a powerful left-foot shot from a tight angle into the back of the net. This goal highlighted Ipswich’s ongoing defensive struggles, as they failed to effectively contain Everton’s attacks.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin had several opportunities to further extend Everton’s lead but was unable to convert, missing key chances both before and after the break. Despite Ipswich’s energetic performance, they struggled to create clear-cut opportunities, managing just two shots on target throughout the match.
This victory is particularly significant for Everton, as it marks their first away win in 16 attempts across all competitions, a streak that has persisted since December. After a dismal start to the season—including four consecutive losses and 13 goals conceded—the Toffees have now shown considerable improvement, moving five points clear of the relegation zone.
Everton Resurgence: Solid Victory Ignites Season
“We had a couple of giveaways this season, but today the shape was good,” Everton manager Sean Dyche commented after the match. “The commitment to get bodies behind the ball was evident, and we scored two very pleasing goals. We created numerous chances and could have gone in even further ahead.”
Throughout the match, Everton maintained a strong defensive stance, keeping Ipswich at bay for most of the game. The home side only managed their first shot on target in the 80th minute, emphasizing Everton’s dominance. Dyche acknowledged the missed opportunities, especially from Calvert-Lewin, who found himself in favorable positions but was thwarted by Ipswich goalkeeper Arijanet Muric.
Despite their attacking woes, Dyche remains optimistic about the team’s trajectory. “We’re showing signs that we’re a good outfit,” he said. “I never lack belief in the players and the staff. We are learning from our early struggles and improving as a cohesive unit.”
Ipswich continues to face challenges on both ends of the pitch. Following a disappointing 4-1 loss to West Ham before the international break, they now set a club record of eight games without a win to start the season. Manager Kieran McKenna expressed his frustrations, noting that both Everton goals stemmed from basic defensive errors that must be addressed.
Ipswich started the match brightly, creating early chances, but failed to capitalize. Jack Clarke squandered a golden opportunity when he shot over from close range. Moments later, he believed he had won a penalty, only for the referee to overturn the decision after a VAR review. McKenna voiced his disappointment, questioning the clarity of the ruling.
As the match progressed, Ipswich struggled to maintain their attacking threat, with their best opportunities coming late in the game. Cameron Burgess headed a cross over the bar, and Conor Chaplin’s shot was easily saved by Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Currently, Ipswich sits just above the relegation zone, facing a precarious situation. With a four-point gap separating them from the teams above, they must turn their fortunes around quickly. Their upcoming match against Leicester will be crucial in determining their season’s trajectory.
“We knew it would be a challenging season, and the step up into the Premier League was always significant,” McKenna reflected. “We know where we need to improve, and it’s up to us to turn those margins in our favor.”
For Everton, this win provides a much-needed boost as they aim to continue their resurgence and climb the Premier League table, showing that they are not to be underestimated as the season unfolds.
source – BBC
