Crystal Palace appeared sluggish against Ipswich, struggling to break down one of the Premier League’s weakest defenses. Despite their recent good form, the team seemed unfocused at the start of the match.
Manager Oliver Glasner is planning to take the squad to Marbella for a warm weather training camp during the upcoming three-week break in fixtures.
Despite a lackluster performance, Crystal Palace managed to secure a win thanks to Ismaila Sarr’s goal in the 82nd minute. This was Sarr’s eighth league goal of the season, and he celebrated by paying tribute to Jean-Philippe Mateta, who is currently sidelined with an injury.
This game was expected to be Eddie Nketiah’s chance to shine, filling in for top scorer Mateta, who is recovering from a facial injury sustained in the FA Cup match against Millwall.
With reports in French media linking Mateta to a potential £40million summer transfer to Manchester United, there was added pressure on 25-year-old Nketiah to impress in his first Premier League start since November.
Manager Glasner acknowledged Nketiah’s struggles since his summer move from Arsenal but encouraged him to play without pressure, emphasizing that he deserved this opportunity.
However, Nketiah’s early chance in the second minute was blocked by Ipswich goalkeeper Alex Palmer after a clever pass from Adam Wharton.
Crystal Palace entered the match as favorites, having won seven of their previous nine games and aiming for their fourth consecutive win in all competitions for the first time since 2020.
Ipswich, near the bottom of the league, faced a tough challenge as Crystal Palace had a strong home record against relegation-zone teams, remaining unbeaten in their last 18 such Premier League matches over eight years.
Despite Ipswich’s efforts to close the gap on safety, they were unable to capitalize on Palace’s slow start and are still seeking their first Premier League victory in 2025.
Palmer, Ipswich’s goalkeeper, had been resilient throughout the match, but Sarr eventually broke through, calmly chipping the ball over him into the net.
Palace clearly missed Mateta’s presence, as he has been a key scorer for them this season with 12 Premier League goals in 27 appearances. Manager Glasner has even called him the “best finisher” he has ever coached.
Mateta is expected to join his teammates in Spain for the training camp, although he will train separately as he recovers from his injury.
Nketiah was among four changes to the Palace lineup, with Adam Wharton, Dean Henderson, and Tyrick Mitchell also returning to the starting eleven.
Ipswich, dealing with numerous injuries, made three changes, including starts for Luke Woolfenden, Kalvin Phillips, and Julio Enciso.
The match began energetically, with Nketiah’s early miss followed by an Ipswich attack where Dean Henderson made a crucial save to deny Jaden Philogene.
This was the first Premier League encounter between Crystal Palace and Ipswich at Selhurst Park since 1994. After the initial exchanges, Palace began to dominate the game.
Jefferson Lerma and Eberechi Eze both came close to scoring for Palace in the first half, but Ipswich’s defense held firm, with Jacob Greaves making a key block to deny Eze.
Eze also conceded possession, leading to a save from Henderson to deny Julio Enciso.
Early in the second half, Eze’s deflected shot hit the post, nearly giving Palace the lead.
Despite their low scoring record this season, Ipswich created opportunities. Enciso and others tested the Palace defense, with Sarr clearing a ball off the line during a goalmouth scramble.
Both goalkeepers were kept busy, with Palmer making an impressive save from another Eze shot. Daniel Munoz missed a chance to score for Palace, shooting directly at the goalkeeper.
Ben Johnson missed a header for Ipswich, failing to capitalize on a promising opportunity.
Ultimately, Sarr’s late goal secured the victory for Crystal Palace, much to the relief and joy of the home supporters.
