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Southampton‘s slim hopes of survival received a some boost as Paul Onuachu’s late winner secured a precious 2-1 victory at Ipswich. This relegation six-pointer had all the hallmarks of a tense, scrappy affair, and it was no surprise when the two teams cancelled each other out for long periods.
The match sparked to life in the 21st minute when Southampton took the lead through Joe Aribo’s third goal of the campaign. Kyle Walker-Peters and Mateus Fernandes combined effectively down the right flank, with Fernandes’ cross deflecting into Aribo’s path, allowing him to volley home from 12 yards. Aribo’s finish was tame, but Ipswich goalkeeper Arijanet Muric will still be disappointed with his attempt to save the effort.
Referee Michael Oliver was soon at the center of attention, and not for the first time in recent weeks. Oliver, who had been reassigned to this fixture after receiving death threats following his red card decision against Myles Lewis-Skelly in Arsenal’s match last weekend, faced hostility from the Ipswich faithful when he opted not to award a free-kick in a dangerous position. The home crowd’s discontent grew louder when Oliver decided that Walker-Peters’ handball inside the Southampton penalty area had been from a natural position.
However, their frustration was soon alleviated as Liam Delap equalized in the 31st minute. Delap showed his class with an assured finish, bursting past Jan Bednarek with ease and slotting the ball under Aaron Ramsdale. The goal was nearly followed by a second, as Delap’s gorgeous outside-of-the-boot through ball sent Nathan Broadhead away, but Ramsdale stood up well to block.
The remainder of the first half saw a series of half-chances for both teams. Julio Enciso, Omari Hutchinson, and Broadhead all went close for Ipswich, while Southampton struggled to create meaningful opportunities. Ivan Juric’s team held on until halftime, but the Ipswich faithful sensed that their team had the momentum.
The second half was a scrappy, disjointed affair, with both teams struggling to maintain possession. Juric introduced Jack Stephens at halftime, but the Southampton captain’s comeback was short-lived, as he limped off after just 11 minutes. James Bree’s shot was deflected wide, and Enciso sliced an effort off target as the match became increasingly fragmented.
As the clock ticked down, anxiety began to grip the Ipswich faithful. Their team’s lack of urgency was evident, and it was Southampton who began to sense an opportunity. Delap muscled his way past Bednarek, but his low shot was blocked by Ramsdale, and Leif Davis’ free-kick was deflected into the wall.
Juric reacted by introducing Kamaldeen Sulemana, and the substitute played a crucial role in Southampton’s winner. Sulemana’s low effort was spilled by Muric, allowing Onuachu to smash home the rebound and secure a vital three points for the Saints. The goal sparked wild celebrations among the Southampton players and coaching staff, and it could mark a significant turning point in their fight against the drop.
This victory comes as Southampton’s first league win in four months, and it provides a faint glimmer of hope in their fight against relegation. For Ipswich, the defeat is a bitter pill to swallow, and they will need to regroup quickly to revive their own survival hopes.
