Chelsea dropped crucial points in the race for Champions League qualification as they fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with relegation-bound Ipswich Town at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, April 13th. Substitute Jadon Sancho scored a superb late equaliser for the Blues.
Despite Chelsea dominating the early stages, Ipswich stunned the hosts by taking a 2-0 lead into halftime. On-loan Brighton midfielder Julio Enciso scored his first goal for the club, poking home Ben Johnson’s cross. Enciso then turned provider, chipping a ball for Johnson to head in his first goal of the season.
Chelsea were gifted a way back into the match just 20 seconds into the second half when Ipswich defender Axel Tuanzebe turned the ball into his own net.
Manager Enzo Maresca introduced Jadon Sancho for Noni Madueke, a move met with some jeers from the home crowd, perhaps directed more at Madueke’s removal. Sancho, whose loan spell from Manchester United has drawn mixed reviews, made a significant impact. Moments after creating a chance cleared off the line, he curled a stunning effort into the top corner from the edge of the box in the 80th minute, following a short corner routine with Cole Palmer. It was Sancho’s third Premier League goal.
Chelsea pushed for a winner, with Trevor Chalobah and Pedro Neto going close, but couldn’t find a third goal.
Dropped Points Costly for Chelsea
The draw sees Chelsea drop to fifth place in the Premier League table with 55 points, behind Manchester City (also 55 points) on goal difference [or relevant tiebreaker]. They missed the chance to close the gap on third-placed Nottingham Forest (57 points).
Sancho’s impactful cameo answered recent calls from Maresca for the winger to “do more,” but the team’s overall performance highlighted inconsistencies that have hampered their top-four push.
For Ipswich Town, the hard-earned point takes them to 21 points, but they remain 18th and 14 points adrift of safety following Wolves’ victory over Tottenham. Relegation seems increasingly likely for Kieran McKenna’s side.
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