EPL: Ipswich Suffer Late Heartbreak as Southampton Win 2-1

Southampton secured a vital 2-1 win over Ipswich Town, thanks to Paul Onuachu's late strike, to earn only their second Premier League win of the season.

Southampton earned their second Premier League win of the season with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over fellow strugglers Ipswich Town at Portman Road. Paul Onuachu's late strike proved decisive, securing all three points for the Saints and condemning Ipswich to their fourth consecutive league defeat.

Given their positions at the foot of the table, a tentative start to the match was perhaps to be expected. Both teams took time to settle, but it was Southampton who eventually broke the deadlock in the 21st minute through Joe Aribo's well-taken first-time shot, which capitalized on an error by Ipswich goalkeeper Arijanet Muric.

Ipswich Town didn't dwell on the setback, however, and quickly leveled the scores through Liam Delap's composed finish. Delap took Nathan Broadhead's pass in stride, rode a sliding challenge from Jan Bednarek, and slotted the ball calmly past Aaron Ramsdale to restore parity.

As the match progressed, Ipswich gained momentum, frequently catching Southampton on the break. The Tractor Boys were denied a second goal only by a crucial save from Aaron Ramsdale, who thwarted Nathan Broadhead's effort when he was through on goal. By halftime, Southampton fans were likely relieved to still be on level terms, having survived a late scare when Julio Enciso's low free-kick hit the side netting.

Southampton's first-half woes were compounded by injuries, as Taylor Harwood-Bellis was replaced by Jack Stephens, who himself was forced off just 10 minutes later. Despite these setbacks, the visitors managed to keep Ipswich at bay following the restart.

As the second half unfolded, Ipswich gradually reasserted their dominance, creating scoring opportunities and looking the more likely team to score. A low drive from Liam Delap was saved by Ramsdale from a tight angle with just under 20 minutes remaining, a miss that would prove costly for the hosts.

 

As the match progressed, Ipswich gained momentum, frequently catching Southampton on the break. The Tractor Boys were denied a second goal only by a crucial save from Aaron Ramsdale, who thwarted Nathan Broadhead's effort when he was through on goal. By halftime, Southampton fans were likely relieved to still be on level terms, having survived a late scare when Julio Enciso's low free-kick hit the side netting.

Southampton record their first away win of the season! 😇#IPSSOU pic.twitter.com/UG0UOuHhR9

— Premier League (@premierleague) February 1, 2025

Southampton's first-half woes were compounded by injuries, as Taylor Harwood-Bellis was replaced by Jack Stephens, who himself was forced off just 10 minutes later. Despite these setbacks, the visitors managed to keep Ipswich at bay following the restart.

As the second half unfolded, Ipswich gradually reasserted their dominance, creating scoring opportunities and looking the more likely team to score. A low drive from Liam Delap was saved by Ramsdale from a tight angle with just under 20 minutes remaining, a miss that would prove costly for the hosts.

In a stunning turn of events, Southampton snatched the lead late on through Paul Onuachu's clinical finish. Kamaldeen Sulemana's low shot was parried into Onuachu's path, and he made no mistake, putting his side back ahead with minutes to play. This win was a vital boost for Southampton, but their relegation worries are far from over.

Despite this excellent result, Southampton still face an uphill battle to avoid relegation, sitting eight points from safety at the foot of the table. The Saints are yet to surpass Derby County's record-low Premier League points tally of 11. Meanwhile, Ipswich's defeat leaves them in the relegation zone, having gone five league games without a win, making this loss feel like three points dropped.