Ipswich vs Wolves Report
Scorers: Delap 16’; Sarabia 72’, Larsen 84’
Wolverhampton Wanderers produced a clinical second-half comeback at Portman Road to inflict yet another crushing blow on Ipswich Town’s survival hopes, with Jørgen Strand Larsen continuing his excellent form to net the winner and secure Wolves’ Premier League status in all but name.
Playing at Ipswich in the top-flight for the first time in over four decades, Wolves had to come from behind after a moment of opportunism from Liam Delap, but second-half strikes from Pablo Sarabia and Strand Larsen turned the tide emphatically in favour of Vítor Pereira’s improving side.
First Half: Delap Sharp but Palmer’s Error Nearly Costly
Despite Wolves starting brightly with Alex Palmer forced into two smart saves, it was the home side who broke the deadlock.
Liam Delap, continuing to show flashes of Premier League quality, reacted first to a Dara O’Shea knockdown to score his second goal in as many games, putting Ipswich ahead midway through the first half.
The home crowd sensed an opportunity to finally end their miserable run of form, but that optimism was almost wiped out moments before the break.
In a moment Alex Palmer will want to forget, a routine back pass slipped under his foot and almost crossed the goal line, with only a frantic recovery keeping the ball out.
The resulting indirect free-kick from six yards led to a heart-stopping moment for the hosts, but Sam Morsy’s heroic block preserved the lead going into half-time.
Second Half: Wolves Take Control
Having finished the half with renewed vigour, Wolves emerged after the break on the front foot, with João Gomes crashing a powerful effort off the post. Ipswich had clearly retreated deeper, and Wolves’ increased pressure eventually told.
Jørgen Strand Larsen, fresh off three goals in his last two games, kept a promising move alive before cutting the ball back to Pablo Sarabia at the edge of the area.
The Spaniard showed all his experience and calm, picking out the bottom corner to bring Wolves level — a goal that had been coming.
With the game tilted in Wolves’ favour, the winner never felt far away. And it was the same duo at the heart of the action.
Sarabia this time turned provider, sliding a clever ball across the face of goal, where Strand Larsen timed his run to perfection to prod home his fourth goal in three matches, completing the turnaround and almost certainly sealing Wolves’ Premier League safety.
What It Means: Wolves All But Safe, Ipswich All But Down
- Wolves move 12 points clear of the relegation zone, effectively guaranteeing survival, and marking an impressive recovery since Vítor Pereira’s appointment.
- Ipswich, second-bottom, have now lost six straight at home, with only Southampton collecting fewer home points this season.
- Their return to the Championship appears inevitable, with the gap to safety now virtually unassailable.
Key Stats
- Jørgen Strand Larsen has scored 4 goals in his last 3 matches
- Pablo Sarabia now has 2 goals and 3 assists in his last 5 appearances
- Ipswich have lost 6 straight home Premier League games
- Wolves had 9 second-half shots, compared to Ipswich’s 2
Looking Ahead
- Wolves will look to finish the season with freedom and confidence, having done the hard work to secure safety.
- Ipswich, now requiring a near miracle, must regroup and focus on ending their Premier League stint with dignity, even as relegation draws closer by the week.
It was a spirited response from Wolves — one that reflects a side on the rise, while Ipswich’s slide continues with little hope left for survival.
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Ipswich v Wolves, 2024/25 | Premier League