ITFC IMAGE - 24/08/26
ITFC IMAGE - 24/08/26
Just when it looked like another frustrating afternoon for Ipswich Town, Gary O’Neil’s side fought back to create memories that will live on. Late goals from Abdoul Ouattara and captain Dara O’Shea turned the game on its head as the Blues got back to winning ways following their defeat to Everton. Ryan Sessegnon’s second-half strike looked set to hand the visitors all three points, but Town refused to give in and were rewarded for their relentless finish. Here are five talking points from a remarkable afternoon in Suffolk.
1. Town Never Stopped Believing
For much of the afternoon, this felt like one of those games that could easily slip away. Fulham had enjoyed plenty of possession, created some decent openings and looked comfortable after taking the lead through Sessegnon’s long-range effort just after the hour mark.
Yet Town never looked beaten. Even after going behind, there was no sense of panic. The Blues continued to push forward, introduced fresh attacking options and gradually increased the pressure on a Fulham side that became more concerned with protecting their lead than extending it.
The reward eventually arrived through Ouattara’s stunning equaliser before O’Shea completed the turnaround moments later. It was the sort of comeback supporters became accustomed to under Kieran McKenna and one which is becoming a familiar trait under O’Neil as well.
2. Ouattara Is Growing Into a Key Player
Abdoul Ouattara was brilliant before finding the back of the net. The summer signing was busying himself with excellent defending before he produced a constant outlet for the Town attack when they broke.
His energy and willingness to drive at the defenders troubled Fulham throughout the game. Then came the moment that changed everything. With Ipswich chasing the equaliser, the ball broke kindly for the summer signing outside the area. He did not look to make another pass but took responsibility upon himself and found the net with a magnificent strike beyond Bernd Leno.
It was a goal that would win any game and could prove to be pivotal for both the player and the team going forward.
3. O’Shea’s Perfect Week
Dara O’Shea will not forget this week in a hurry. The Town captain missed Ireland’s final international fixture after remaining at home as his partner prepared to give birth. Gary O’Neil confirmed before the game that mother and baby were doing well.
A few days later, O’Shea delivered another special moment. Having already produced a strong defensive display, the defender powered home the winning header in the first minute of stoppage time to send Portman Road into celebration.
The goal was his first Premier League goal for Town and his first at Portman Road. Given the personal events of the last few days, it made the moment even more memorable.
4. The Substitutes Changed the Game
Gary O’Neil has earned plaudits for the part he played in this result, not least for the quality and composure with which Exequiel Palacios replaced Florentino Luis, as well as the intensity that Jack Clarke brought on down the left-hand side. Zian Flemming, Chuba Akpom and Sindre Walle Egeli all contributed to relentless pressure on a Fulham defence that was growing increasingly vulnerable as the game wore on.
In turn, Clarke’s production from the free-kick created the winning goal, while the constant stream of attacking substitutions from Town ensured that their opponents had little respite. It’s not always easy to affect games from the substitutes’ bench, but Town’s replacements played a big part in what followed.
5. Portman Road Is Becoming a Fortress Again
There has always been something special about Portman Road when the oddsmakers think there might be a recovery. As the game wore on, the atmosphere grew and grew, and the noise inside the ground seemed to buoy the players.
When Ouattara’s equaliser went in, the place erupted. When O’Shea’s header soon followed, the celebrations were deafening. These are the afternoons supporters dream of.
It was Town’s second home league win this season and another encouraging sign for the O’Neil revolution. More importantly, it saw the Blues rise to ninth in the table and give more credence to their claims of being worthy of the Premier League.
A Statement Victory
At one stage Fulham looked set to leave Suffolk with maximum points, but Ipswich delivered one of their most spectacular comebacks of the season to show just how much heart and determination they have.
Above all, it serves as a reminder that they can compete with anyone on their day, and that they will fight until the very end.
Most importantly of all, it means that against top opposition in the shape of Manchester City, they will go into the game with plenty of confidence after this display.