ITFC IMAGE - 24/08/26
ITFC IMAGE - 24/08/26
Ipswich Town have booked their place in the Carabao Cup with a 3-1 win over League One side Leicester City at Portman Road. This was highlighted by a spectacular brace from Marcelino Núñez, which included a remarkable effort from inside the centre circle, with Sindre Walle-Egeli opening the scoring before Town’s depth and control told in the second half, with Gary O’Neil’s heavily rotated side growing as the game progressed.
1. Núñez Steps Up With a Stunning Brace
Marcelino Núñez delivered a standout performance, scoring twice, the second an outrageous lob from inside the centre circle which sealed the win in injury time. His first goal restored Town’s lead in the 71st minute, and he dictated the play with composure and intelligence throughout. As one of only two players, along with captain Dara O’Shea, to keep their place in the Sunderland win, Núñez justified O’Neill’s trust emphatically.
2. Walle Egeli Continues To Impress
Sindre Walle-Egeli opened the scoring with a calm finish after excellent work from Chuba Akpom and Jack Clarke. The Norwegian repeatedly found pockets of space and pressed Leicester into mistakes, including the turnover that led to Núñez’s second goal. His confidence at senior level grows with every appearance.
3. O’Neil’s Rotation Pays Off
O’Neil made nine changes, with starts to Christian Walton, Abdoul Ouattara, Cameron Humphreys, Jack Clarke and Chuba Akpom. But despite early disjointedness, Town grew stronger as the game progressed. Ouattara made his full debut, while U21S players Tudor Mednel and Charlie Compton were both introduced late on for their senior bows. The depth of the squad was clear, and O’Neil’s trust in the youth players continues to be a defining feature of his early tenure.
4. Akpom Deserved a Goal
Chuba Akpom produced a powerful and intelligent performance leading the line; his hold-up play created Walle Egeli’s opener, and he repeatedly bullied Leicester’s makeshift defence. He had three big chances, including a one-on-one that drifted just wide, and on another night he would have scored. His overall display suggests that goal moment will be coming.
5. Town’s Control Grew As Leicester Faded
Leicester’s unusual back line of four full‑backs caused early chaos, but Ipswich gradually took control. Walton made key saves, O’Shea was solid, but Kipre was a bit all over the place at times, and Town’s midfield began to dominate. By the final 20 minutes, Ipswich were creating chances at will, with Maeda and Davis adding fresh energy. Núñez’s late wonder‑goal capped a confident, increasingly dominant second‑half display.
What This Means for Town
Ipswich’s victory over Leicester not only secured their place in the next round of the Carabao Cup but also highlighted the growing depth and flexibility all across O’Neil’s squad. With rotation working, youngsters stepping in confidently and key players like Núñez hitting top form. Town look well-equipped but with more signings to come to balance their Premier League campaign with a competivite cup run. The performance showed a side building momentum, identity and belief, all encouraging signs as Ipswich continue their journey under O’Neil.