Crystal Palace vs Ipswich Report

Scorers: Sarr 82’

Crystal Palace extended their winning streak to three matches with a dramatic late 1-0 triumph over Ipswich Town at Selhurst Park, courtesy of Ismaïla Sarr’s decisive goal.

The defeat compounds Ipswich’s struggles, as they set an unwanted club record by failing to win any of their first nine Premier League (PL) matches in a calendar year for the first time.

Lively First Half Ends Goalless as Ipswich Battle Hard

This was the first top-flight clash between the two sides at Selhurst Park since 1994, and the contest began with an energetic start.

Crystal Palace looked to take an early lead, with Eddie Nketiah, deputising for the injured Jean-Philippe Mateta, failing to make the most of Adam Wharton’s perfectly threaded pass in the opening minutes.

Ipswich responded immediately, as Jayden Philogene-Bidace tested Dean Henderson, setting the tone for an entertaining opening period.

The hosts maintained their attacking intent, with Jefferson Lerma and Eberechi Eze both going close, yet Ipswich held their own, stringing together promising passages of play despite their relegation concerns.

As the first half progressed, neither side could find the breakthrough, and the teams went into the break deadlocked.

Eze Threatens as Palace Dominate Second Half

Crystal Palace had found the net in 17 of their last 18 matches across all competitions, and they almost continued that trend in bizarre fashion just four minutes into the second half.

Eze’s strike from the edge of the box took a wicked deflection, looping over goalkeeper Alex Palmer before striking the back post and bouncing clear.

The Eagles continued to press as the final 30 minutes approached, surviving a chaotic goalmouth scramble at the other end, with Sarr making a crucial clearance from under his own crossbar.

Meanwhile, Eze grew in influence, forcing Palmer into a fine save with a curling effort destined for the top corner.

The Palace playmaker then produced a moment of brilliance, juggling the ball over a defender before scuffing his finish, narrowly missing the chance to put his side ahead.

Late Drama as Sarr Breaks Ipswich’s Resistance

As the match neared its conclusion, both teams had golden opportunities to break the deadlock. Palace came closest when Daniel Muñoz dispossessed Leif Davis on the edge of the box, only for Palmer to produce a superb save to keep Ipswich level.

Moments later, Ipswich had a chance of their own when Ben Johnson sent a close-range header wide—a miss that would soon prove costly.

In the 82nd minute, Palace finally found the breakthrough. A slick exchange between Sarr and Daichi Kamada saw the Senegalese forward slip into the box before lifting a deft dinked finish over Palmer, sending the Selhurst Park crowd into celebration.

Palace’s Defensive Resurgence Leaves Ipswich in Deep Trouble

Oliver Glasner’s side celebrated their first home clean sheet since October, extending their unbeaten record against Ipswich in the Premier League (W5, D1).

Meanwhile, the Tractor Boys’ struggles continue, as they have now taken just two points from a possible 27 in 2025. Their fight for survival becomes increasingly desperate as they remain the only Premier League side without a victory this year.

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Crystal Palace v Ipswich, 2024/25 | Premier League