Full Time: Ipswich Town 3-1 Newcastle United
Newcastle United were humbled to a 3-1 defeat by Ipswich Town at the Portman Road on Monday afternoon, dealing a blow to their automatic promotion hopes.
It was a sluggish start to the proceedings with both teams hardly threatening, but Newcastle missed a great chance when Matt Ritchie headed just over from a Paul Dummett cross. And within a matter of seconds after that chance, Ipswich opened the scoring through Freddie Sears in the 42nd minute.
Newcastle continued to disappoint post the break, as they produced nothing meaningful in attack. But in the 62nd minute, veteran striker Daryl Murphy brought the Magpies back on level terms, finishing a cross from Christian Atsu.
The parity wouldn’t last for long though as some shocking defending allowed Ipswich to regain their advantage through David McGoldrick seven minutes later. The 29-year old almost scored a second in the 84th minute, but Karl Darlow made a smart stop to deny him. But he could not stop Emyr Huws in the added time from making it 3-1.
The loss leaves Rafa Benitez’s side just six points ahead of third-placed Reading and with three games left to play, they cannot afford to drop anymore points in the coming weeks. Here is how the Newcastle players fared on the day:
Newcastle United Player Ratings
Karl Darlow – 6/10
Commanding in the box, dealt decently with high balls. But it was his poor clearance that allowed Ipswich a chance for the second. Made a fine stop to deny McGoldrick.
DeAndre Yedlin – 4/10
The American was all over the place defensively and his positioning was poor. Was constantly outshone by the excellent Tom Lawrence.
Jamaal Lascelles – 5/10
Was guilty of backing off for the opening goal for Ipswich. Seems to have lost that authoritative presence that made him a star in the start of the season.
Grant Hanley – 4/10
Looked nervy and tentative for the entire length of the game. Was guilty of backing off too often. Did not justify his selection in the place of Chancel Mbemba.
Paul Dummett – 6/10
Looked good on the overlapping runs and offered decent deliveries into the box. However, let McGoldrick free for the tap in.
Jonjo Shelvey – 5/10
Was the link between the defence and the attack, but lacked his usual effectiveness. Wasted plenty of opportunities from dangerous positions.
Isaac Hayden – 6/10
Showed the willingness to fight for the ball in the middle of the park in the first-half. Booked for dissent. Taken off with Newcastle chasing the game.
Matt Ritchie – 5/10
Was caught in possession in the lead up to the opener for Ipswich after spurning a golden opportunity at the other end. Improved in the second period, but not good enough.
Mohamed Diame – 4/10
Struggled to impose himself on the game. Could not make things happen in the final-third. Slightly better in the second period, but to no avail.
Christian Atsu – 6.5/10
Linked up well with Dummett on the left-flank. Set up the goal for Murphy with a fine cross. Produced a few threatening moments, but few and far in between.
Daryl Murphy – 6/10
Frustrating return to the Portman Road for the striker as he spent most of the game isolated at the top. But pounced upon the opportunity when it presented, to equalize.
Substitutes
Yoan Gouffran – 5/10
Replaced Hayden on the hour mark. Lacked end product.
Jesus Gamez – 5/10
Came on for Yedlin in the 74th minute. Did nothing of note.
Aleksandar Mitrovic – NA
Replaced Ritchie for the last eight minutes. Had a shot blocked.