Chelsea’s title hopes rocked by Ipswich 2-0 defeat

Chelsea’s bid to get again into the Premier League title race was dealt a significant blow after modest Ipswich beat the Blues 2-0 at Portman Highway on Monday.

Coach Enzo Maresca’s crew was shocked by an early penalty kick scored by Liam Delap and a second-half aim scored by former Chelsea winger Omari Hutchinson.

Chelsea’s second defeat in a row after their Boxing Day loss to Fulham left them with no win of their final three matches.

The west London crew emerged as a shock contender for the title after an eight-game successful streak in all competitions.

However Maresca insisted all through that interval that the inexperienced Chelsea facet didn’t have what it took to win the title in his first season after arriving from Leicester.

The Italian’s predictions seem like right after the shock end in Suffolk which left Chelsea in fourth place, 10 factors behind leaders Liverpool, who’ve a sport in hand.

Third-placed Ipswich transfer one level away from security after successful for the second time of their final 4 matches.

Kieran McKenna’s facet have renewed religion of their capability to keep away from relegation again to the Championship because of their first house win within the high flight in 22 years.

Ipswich took the battle to Chelsea from the beginning as Delap terrorized the guests’ protection in feisty trend.

Delap raced onto Leif Davies’ good cross within the twelfth minute and fell to the bottom after the weakest of kicks from Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen.

Referee John Brooks awarded the penalty and Delap fired into the underside nook for his seventh aim of the season.

Cole Palmer nearly equalized instantly when a 22-yard free-kick hit the put up.

Joao Felix despatched an exquisite cross along with his left foot that was transformed by Palmer halfway via the primary half, however the Portuguese striker’s aim was dominated out for offside after using the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) know-how for an extended interval.

Simply earlier than half-time, Palmer’s gorgeous 20-yard strike seemed destined for the highest nook after Felix’s cross, however Christian Walton made an excellent save over the crossbar.

Felix’s header was cleared off the road by Wes Burns early within the second half earlier than Noni Madueke’s low shot was thwarted by Walton.

Chelsea’s profligacy got here again to hang-out them as Ipswich doubled their lead within the 53rd minute.

Axel Disasi carelessly handed straight to Delap on the midway line and ran in direction of Levi Colwell earlier than reducing again to Hutchinson.

Hutchinson labored intelligently over a big space, drilling into the underside nook.

It was an personal aim for Hutchinson towards the membership that has twice launched him from the youth crew.

Chelsea have been unable to muster a response, as Ipswich inflicted a painful defeat that had repercussions on either side of the desk.

Agence France-Presse