THE RULES...
Right, before you flood my X feed with accusations of 'How can that be ranked so high/low' let me say this... It's just a bit of fun.
I've written this piece because I think it's important to remember that there were some memorable moments in an ultimately disappointing campaign.
When it comes to goals, of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. A 30-yard screamer, a telepathic team move, a solo dribble, an acrobatic finish - we all get revved up in different ways. Personally, I love a powerful header.
The context of goals, and the way they are celebrated, matters too, right? The below rankings do not just take into account technique and aesthetics, but also how they made me *feel* in the moment and the legacy they leave.
So, without further ado...
Jaden Philogene was gifted his first goal at Old Trafford.Jaden Philogene was gifted his first goal at Old Trafford. (Image: PA) 36: Jaden Philogene (first v Man United, away)
Keystone Cops defending from United. Keeper Andre Onana rushed off his line, an unaware Patrick Dorgu played it past him and Philogene rolled into an empty net. Town has been gifted Ipswich an early lead. Instinct was to laugh. Could have been ranked higher for pure comedic value.
35: Jaden Philogene (second v Man United, away)
Cross/pass from deep right bounced in the box, just evaded the stretching leg of Liam Delap, and crept inside the far post. Far from a classic! Sorry Jaden, you bagged a brace at Old Trafford and they occupy the bottom two in this list.
Liam Delap converts from the spot to retore Ipswich's lead at Fulham.Liam Delap converts from the spot to retore Ipswich's lead at Fulham. (Image: PA) 34: Liam Delap (v Fulham, away)
Good hustle from Jacob Greaves to win back possession high, a clever forward pass from Nathan Broadhead and Delap checked inside to win a penalty thanks to Timothy Castagne’s swinging boot. Smashed his spot kick down the right as the keeper dived the other way. Such a shame it wasn’t the winner.
33: Matt Doherty own goal (v Wolves, away)
This is all about Delap being too strong for Nelson Semedo in a shoulder-to-shoulder duel. Striker powered to the byline and supplied a low cross that wasn’t cleared. Omari Hutchinson's shot was blocked on the line. Conor Chaplin’s follow-up effort through a crowd then took a double deflection on the way to finding the net. Can’t put an OG too high, can I?
32: Jacob Greaves (v Liverpool, away)
Centre-half stooped bravely to head home Julio Enciso’s teasing corner delivery inside a crowded six-yard box. As I say, I love a header, but this was a last-minute consolation goal in a comprehensive defeat.
Julio Enciso wheels away after giving Ipswich the lead at Chelsea.Julio Enciso wheels away after giving Ipswich the lead at Chelsea. (Image: PA) 31: Julio Enciso (v Chelsea, away)
Rapid counter-attack ended with Enciso sliding in to stab home Ben Johnson’s low cross on the stretch. Had shock value given Town had spent the start of the game completely under the cosh.
George Hirst heads in a late consolation goal in the 4-2 home defeat to Nottingham Forest.George Hirst heads in a late consolation goal in the 4-2 home defeat to Nottingham Forest. (Image: Steve Waller) 30: George Hirst (v Nottm Forest, home)
An expert leaping header, guided into the far corner of the net from near the penalty spot, following Dara O’Shea’s deep delivery. Again, a late consolation in a game where the damage had been done first half.
29: Liam Delap (v Wolves, home)
Half-cleared corner, big diagonal back into the danger zone by Axel Tuanzebe, O’Shea with the towering knock down and Delap was there to stab in just ahead of the keeper. It felt huge at the time but sadly ended up counting for nothing.
Ben Johnson headed Ipswich in a 2-0 lead at Stamford Bridge.Ben Johnson headed Ipswich in a 2-0 lead at Stamford Bridge. (Image: PA) 28: Ben Johnson (v Chelsea, away)
Chelsea went long from a goal kick, Ipswich picked up the bits and pieces then attacked at speed. Enciso stood up a cross from an inside left position and Johnson ghosted in at the far post to guide a header back across goal. Town, remarkably, led 2-0 at Stamford Bridge.
George Hirst's back post header got Town back to 2-2 at Goodison Park.George Hirst's back post header got Town back to 2-2 at Goodison Park. (Image: PA) 27: George Hirst (v Everton, away)
Hutchinson produced a trademark piece of acceleration down the right before hanging up a cross. Hirst got some good air time when squeezing his downward header inside the post. Town had come from 0-2 down to level.
Liam Delap celebrates his equaliser at West Ham.Liam Delap celebrates his equaliser at West Ham. (Image: PA) 26: Liam Delap (v West Ham, away)
Leif Davis’ corner from the right flicked up off the head of O’Shea and dropped out the sky in a seemingly non-dangerous corner of the box. Delap, however, makes something out of nothing. After outmuscling Lucas Paqueta, he spins and hits a low shot right on the edge of the box that keeper Alphonse Areola can only push it high into the net. Town had quickly cancelled out a first minute opener.
Sammie Szmodics forces in a difficult rebound chance to put Ipswich 1-0 up at Fulham.Sammie Szmodics forces in a difficult rebound chance to put Ipswich 1-0 up at Fulham. (Image: PA) 25: Sammie Szmodics (v Fulham, away)
Silky play from Broadhead, strong link play from Delap, a Johnson far post header off the bar, then Szmodics forced the rebound home through a crowd. Went in via a deflection, but the overall move is very nice. Had Town in front just days on from the home win against Chelsea.
Liam Delap jumps for joy after his penalty opener against Chelsea at Portman Road.Liam Delap jumps for joy after his penalty opener against Chelsea at Portman Road. (Image: PA) 24: Liam Delap (v Chelsea, home)
Should this have been a penalty? A very-much-in-the-mood Delap slid in to reach Davis’ pass just ahead of keeper Robert Sanchez then made the most of minimal contact. Dusted himself down to smash the spot-kick into the bottom left corner past the outstretched glove of Sanchez. Portman Road erupted.
Liam Delap stabs in from close-range to double Ipswich's lead at Tottenham.Liam Delap stabs in from close-range to double Ipswich's lead at Tottenham. (Image: PA) 23: Liam Delap (v Tottenham, away)
Davis found Szmodics on the underlap, his low cross was pushed away by keeper Guglielmo Vicario, onto defender Radu Dragusin, and Delap was there to stab in from close-range. Scruffy goal had Town in dreamland at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Conor Chaplin steers in Ipswich's home opener against Bournemouth.Conor Chaplin steers in Ipswich's home opener against Bournemouth. (Image: PA) 22: Conor Chaplin (v Bournemouth, home)
Starts from a long Davis throw that’s not cleared. Cameron Burgess coolly provided the cut-back and Chaplin was there for a trademark first-time finish from the heart of the box. So glad the back-to-back promotion hero joined the ‘scored in all four divisions’ club. Was heartbreaking to see him so gutted after Bournemouth’s late turnaround.
Sammie Szmodics (on the ground) watches his curling finish find the net at Brentford.Sammie Szmodics (on the ground) watches his curling finish find the net at Brentford. (Image: PA) 21: Sammie Szmodics (v Brentford, away)
Super pass from deep by Kalvin Phillips, good link play by striker George Hirst and Szmodics opened his body up in the box to shape a bending shot into the net for 0-1. A lot to like.
Liam Delap celebrates after giving Ipswich Town the lead against Aston Villa at Portman Road.Liam Delap celebrates after giving Ipswich Town the lead against Aston Villa at Portman Road. (Image: PA) 20: Liam Delap (first v Aston Villa, home)
Jack Clarke’s cut-back in the box. Clever movement by Delap. A crisp, first time, left-footed finish into the bottom corner. Emi Martinez will, however, feel he should have done better. A roof-raising deadlock breaker at Portman Road.
Omari Hutchinson runs back to the halfway line after pulling a goal back against Tottenham.Omari Hutchinson runs back to the halfway line after pulling a goal back against Tottenham. (Image: Steve Waller) 19: Omari Hutchinson (v Tottenham, home)
Phillips’ forward pass, Clarke’s cut-back down the left side of the box and a sweeping finish into the far corner by Hutchinson from the heart of the box. Town, having squandered early chances, had got a wide open game back to 1-2. Felt good at the time.
Liam Delap's cool one-v-one finish got Town back to 1-1 against Southampton.Liam Delap's cool one-v-one finish got Town back to 1-1 against Southampton. (Image: PA) 18: Liam Delap (v Southampton, home)
Broadhead’s first-time pass on the halfway line was sublime. Delap powered away, skipping past the sliding challenge of Jan Bednarek, before producing a composed one-v-one finish. Town were back level in a ‘must-win’ game. We all know how it finished, sadly.
Liam Delap's deft finish put 10-man Town ahead at Villa Park.Liam Delap's deft finish put 10-man Town ahead at Villa Park. (Image: PA) 17: Liam Delap (v Aston Villa, away)
Hutchinson controlled a switch pass, darted down the right and drilled in a low cut-back cross to take out the first man. Great movement from Delap in the box sees him dart across the blindside of two defenders and produce the deftest of finishes. The 10 men led at Villa Park. Capped with a Kuqi-esque splash celebration in the rain.
George Hirst celebrates after his clipped finish at Brentford.George Hirst celebrates after his clipped finish at Brentford. (Image: PA) 16: George Hirst (v Brentford, away)
Cool clipped finish on the angle over keeper Mark Flekken following Chaplin’s defence-splitting pass. Two goals in four minutes had injury-hit Town 2-0 up with little more than half an hour played at the Gtech Stadium.
Liam Delap's poacher's finish got 10-man Ipswich back to 3-3 at Brentford.Liam Delap's poacher's finish got 10-man Ipswich back to 3-3 at Brentford. (Image: PA) 15: Liam Delap (v Brentford, away)
Sharp movement in the box and a fine first time finish, on the run, to get 10-man Town back to 3-3. Powerhouse was proving he could poach, too. The best thing about this goal, however, is Davis’ sumptuous delivery from deep left *Chef’s kiss*.
Nathan Broadhead (left) celebrates after his thumping equaliser against West Ham on the final day.Nathan Broadhead (left) celebrates after his thumping equaliser against West Ham on the final day. (Image: Steve Waller) 14: Nathan Broadhead (v West Ham, home)
Pillow feet when receiving the ball on the back foot, a deft drop of the shoulder to deceive Jean-Clair Todibo, then a cannon finish into the bottom corner from the edge of the box. Classy last day equaliser added weight to those who argued the Welshman had been underused in the top flight.
Sammie Szmodics gave Town a shock lead at four-in-a-row champions Manchester City in game two.Sammie Szmodics gave Town a shock lead at four-in-a-row champions Manchester City in game two. (Image: PA) 13: Sammie Szmodics (v Man City, away)
A well-weighted though ball from Johnson and Szmodics’ one-v-one shot squirmed under keeper Ederson to roll over the line in slow motion. Town’s first Premier League goal in 22 years, somewhat surreally, saw them lead at the home of the four-in-a-row champions. The joy may have been short-lived, but it certainly burned brightly.
Nathan Broadhead puts the ball through the legs of Bournemouth keeper Kepa to give Ipswich the lead.Nathan Broadhead puts the ball through the legs of Bournemouth keeper Kepa to give Ipswich the lead. (Image: PA) 12: Nathan Broadhead (v Bournemouth, away)
After Enciso’s driving run had taken out *five* defenders, Broadhead chopped back inside, sitting down Dean Huijsen, before slotting through keeper Kepa’s legs. Does himself a disservice when saying his first touch was ‘heavy’. A fine goal.
Sam Morsy rescued Town a point at Southampton with this stoppage-time strike.Sam Morsy rescued Town a point at Southampton with this stoppage-time strike. (Image: PA) 11: Sam Morsy (v Southampton, away)
Town were staring down the barrel of defeat at fellow newly-promoted side Southampton in game five. Then, with 95 minutes on the clock, a half-cleared corner landed at the feet of Morsy and he fired into the top corner to salvage a point. Sizeable deflection, yes, but the touch to set himself and get the shot off was super cool under pressure. Passionate knee slide celebration and ‘it’s happened again’ chant from the away end adds value.
Liam Delap's marauding run and powerful strike put Ipswich ahead against Fulham last August.Liam Delap's marauding run and powerful strike put Ipswich ahead against Fulham last August. (Image: Steve Waller) 10: Liam Delap (v Fulham, home)
Started with Davis intercepting deep and carrying the ball forwards with intent. After his square pass on halfway, Delap took up the baton and charged through the middle of the field, palming off Andreas Pereira before arrowing an angled shot beyond the despairing dive of Bernd Leno from outside the box. Superb technique. Town’s first goal Premier League goal at Portman Road in 22 years. Can't believe I've had to put this as low as 10 in the list. Right, this is getting really tough now...
Omari Hutchinson's shot evades Manchester United keeper Andre Onana. Town were deservedly level.Omari Hutchinson's shot evades Manchester United keeper Andre Onana. Town were deservedly level. (Image: PA) 9: Omari Hutchinson (v Man United, home)
Received a pass inside from Wes Burns, took it on the back foot, set himself and then whipped a curling effort into the top left corner from 20 yards out. We’ll conveniently overlook the aid of a slight nick off the head of Noussair Mazraoui. Ruben Amorim’s first game in charge of United, a Super Sunday fixture and Ipswich had deservedly levelled. That was a fun day.
8: Jens Cajuste (v Nottm Forest, home)
Backed into his marker, dragged the ball 180 degrees in one fluid motion and then caressed a curling effort into the top corner from the edge of the box. Top class from the smooth Swede. Was subsequently named Premier League Goal of the Month for March and was among the nominees for Goal of the Season. Would have been much, much higher had it been more than just a late consolation on a deflating day.
Omari Hutchinson somersaults in celebration after putting Ipswich 2-0 up against Chelsea.Omari Hutchinson somersaults in celebration after putting Ipswich 2-0 up against Chelsea. (Image: Steve Waller) 7: Omari Hutchinson (v Chelsea, home)
Delap seized on a loose pass, charged forwards, held the ball up and then picked out Hutchinson on the edge of the box. Instead of thrashing at it, the tricky attacker danced into half a yard of space and coolly reversed a shot into the bottom right corner. Trademark somersault celebration. Sealed what proved to be Town’s only home league win of the campaign. Another memory to treasure.
Liam Delap's violent finish at Bournemouth finished off a fine team move.Liam Delap's violent finish at Bournemouth finished off a fine team move. (Image: PA) 6: Liam Delap (v Bournemouth, away)
Best team goal of the season and proved to be an away day winner, too. Slick seven-man move started with a short pass from keeper Alex Palmer, contained some crisp one-touch football from Broadhead, Cajuste and Conor Townsend and was finished off by a bludgeoned finish that nearly broke the back of the net. 'Foot like a traction engine!’, as Alan Partridge once hollered.
Sammie Szmodics' bicycle kick goal at Tottenham was an iconic moment.Sammie Szmodics' bicycle kick goal at Tottenham was an iconic moment. (Image: PA) 5: Sammie Szmodics (v Tottenham, away)
A deadlock breaking bicycle kick, in the striking pink kit, on Town’s first ever trip to Tottenham’s mightily impressive modern bowl. Oh, and it helped secure the first Premier League win in 22 years too. Iconic.
Leif Davis' stunning volley gave Town the lead against Leicester.Leif Davis' stunning volley gave Town the lead against Leicester. (Image: Steve Waller) 4: Leif Davis (v Leicester, home)
Geordie left-back watched Morsy’s flighted pass all the way and, beyond the corner of the six-yard box, steered a perfect side-footed volley back across goal and inside the far side-netting. World class technique. Really should have been the winner. Cheers Tim Robinson.
Jack Taylor's stoppage-time winner at Wolves was right in front of the away fans.Jack Taylor's stoppage-time winner at Wolves was right in front of the away fans. (Image: PA) 3: Jack Taylor (v Wolves, away)
Fourth minute of stoppage-time. All square in what was, at the time, a crucial clash between relegation fighting rivals. Jack Clarke swung in the corner from the left and Taylor rose highest. Extra points for being right in front of a bouncing away end and the scenes that followed. Did I mention I like headers?
Liam Delap equaliser against Aston Villa at Portman Road came thanks to a mixture of running power, skilful stepovers and a composed finish.Liam Delap equaliser against Aston Villa at Portman Road came thanks to a mixture of running power, skilful stepovers and a composed finish. (Image: PA) 2: Liam Delap (second v Aston Villa, home)
Only one thing on his mind when picking the ball up wide left midway inside the Villa half. Ate up the ground to burst into the box, completely bamboozled Diego Carlos with a couple of stepovers and coolly produced a left-footed finish across the keeper. Town were back to 2-2 against a Champions League outfit. The Delap train was picking up real momentum. Anything seemed possible at that stage.
Everton keeper Jordan Pickford congratulates Julio Enciso following his sensational 35-yard strike at Goodison Park.Everton keeper Jordan Pickford congratulates Julio Enciso following his sensational 35-yard strike at Goodison Park. (Image: PA)
1: Julio Enciso (v Everton, away)
What. A. Hit. Paraguayan wriggled inside and unleashed a dipping, swerving shot from 35-yards out that cannoned in off the underside of the crossbar. England No.1 Jordan Pickford, beaten all ends up, tapped the attacker’s hand in a ‘fair play’ gesture. Was suddenly game on at Goodison. Given you don’t see many goals like this anymore, I have to put this top. A jaw-dropping strike.