Ipswich Town ended a 22-year wait for a Premier League victory in dramatic fashion by defeating Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The jubilation in the away end reflected the significance of the moment, a hard-earned win that Ipswich had hoped for as they fought through nine nerve-wracking minutes of added time. Goalkeeper Aro Muric’s late save from Dominic Solanke’s shot all but sealed the win, securing a triumphant day for manager Kieran McKenna and his team.
For McKenna, the win carried special meaning. He started his coaching career with Tottenham’s youth setup, and his tactics on the day proved decisive. Ipswich displayed impressive discipline in their first-half performance, choosing moments to attack and delivering two skillfully constructed goals through Sammie Szmodics and Liam Delap. They held firm when Rodrigo Bentancur’s header threatened to swing momentum Tottenham’s way, managing to see out the game with resilience. Based on this performance, Ipswich look well-equipped for the top flight.
Tottenham’s afternoon, in contrast, felt labored and disjointed. They came into the game with hopes of recreating their recent comeback wins against Aston Villa and West Ham, but this time, a spark never fully ignited. While Bentancur’s goal in the second half suggested a possible fightback, they could not convert their pressure into sustained dominance. The impact of a midweek fixture in Istanbul seemed evident, with tired legs struggling to keep up with a sharper Ipswich side. Omari Hutchinson put in an exceptional shift, with his intensity and quick decision-making proving crucial, especially in the buildup to Delap’s goal. Ipswich’s pink kit, which had been designed with the help of musician Ed Sheeran, fittingly became a symbol of their victory as Sheeran congratulated the team afterward.
Reflecting on the day, McKenna emphasized its importance, calling it a milestone for the club. Only two years prior, Ipswich had been competing in League One, drawing with teams like Cheltenham. The transformation since then, largely due to McKenna’s leadership, has been remarkable, and Ipswich looked entirely at home on this Premier League stage.
Jens Cajuste was one of Ipswich’s standout players, making an immediate impact in his starting role as a loanee from Napoli, filling in for the suspended Kalvin Phillips. Cajuste was instrumental in dictating play for Ipswich during the first half. His energy helped Ipswich open up Tottenham’s defense as he broke forward through midfield to set up a patient passing sequence. He eventually regained the ball and delivered a cross that Delap met in the air, directing the ball toward Szmodics. With his back to goal, Szmodics executed a skillful overhead kick that flew past Spurs’ goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.
Ipswich had already threatened before this goal, with Hutchinson’s early run creating a chance for Szmodics, and Cameron Burgess hitting the crossbar with a header soon after. Tottenham seemed unable to respond, and Ipswich doubled their lead before halftime. Delap’s second goal was a reward for his positioning and Ipswich’s cohesive counterattack, though it originated from a brief misunderstanding between Muric and Sam Morsy. Ipswich quickly regained control, with Hutchinson escaping Bentancur’s tackle to launch a run upfield. Szmodics then drilled a cross that Vicario could only deflect, leaving Delap with an easy finish.
McKenna was thrilled with his team’s first-half performance, noting it was close to perfect. Spurs, meanwhile, struggled to create clear opportunities, with their best chance coming from a wayward shot by Brennan Johnson and a tame effort from Solanke that Muric saved comfortably.
The second half unfolded much as recent Tottenham matches have, with hopes of a turnaround hanging in the balance. Muric was called into action, tipping Son Heung-min’s shot over the bar, and Solanke’s bundled effort from the ensuing corner was disallowed for handball by the video assistant referee. Bentancur’s goal provided some hope, as he charged unmarked into the box to head in Pedro Porro’s corner. However, Spurs’ attempts to build relentless pressure fell short, and Ipswich absorbed their advances without buckling.
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou acknowledged the difficulty of consistently overcoming poor starts in the Premier League, noting that his team had created a “mountain to climb.” This match reflected the inconsistency that has plagued Spurs recently, a feast-or-famine approach that Postecoglou aims to balance.
For McKenna, this victory was especially sweet given his history with Tottenham. His satisfaction was clear as he noted the added significance of winning at his former club. This win feels like a turning point for Ipswich, a result that lifts an enormous weight off their shoulders and sets the tone for a promising season ahead.
