Relegation threatened Ipswich dent Bournemouth's European hopes
Bournemouth 1 - 2 Ipswich Town
Ipswich Town claimed their first Premier League win of 2025 with a victory over Bournemouth, dealing a blow to the home side’s European ambitions.
Bournemouth came close to taking the lead when Alex Scott’s shot was cleared off the line by Dara O’Shea. Moments later, Ipswich made the breakthrough.
Nathan Broadhead scored his first Premier League goal after latching onto the ball following an excellent run from Julio Enciso. The Wales international cut inside Dean Huijsen before drilling a low shot through the legs of Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Ipswich had not won a league match since beating Chelsea 2-0 at home on 30 December. They were the only side across England’s top four divisions yet to secure a league victory in 2025.
Bournemouth nearly equalised early in the second half, but Alex Palmer produced a fine save to tip over Scott’s powerful strike from 20 yards.
Ipswich doubled their lead on the hour when Liam Delap fired in his 11th goal of the season. Conor Townsend’s cutback found Delap, who lashed the ball past the home side’s keeper.
Bournemouth thought they had been handed a way back when referee Rob Jones awarded a penalty. However, after a VAR review, the foul by Axel Tuanzebe on Antoine Semenyo was judged to have taken place outside the area, and the decision was downgraded to a free-kick.
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The hosts did find a lifeline in the 67th minute when Evanilson reacted quickest to score on the rebound after Palmer had parried Lewis Cook’s shot.
Bournemouth dominated possession in the closing stages, but Ipswich held firm to secure just their fourth league win of the season.
Best reaction
Ryan, a Bournemouth fan, told us: " That was a poor performance from the Cherries, the front-foot high press and attacking pressure has seemingly disappeared. Throughout the match, we offered very little against what an average but spirited Ipswich Town. Delap was the best player on the pitch by a mile. I can certainly see him getting a transfer to a side further up the Premier League at the end of the season, regardless of whether Ipswich stay up or not."
Damian is an Ipswich fan who was in the away end, he told us: "That was a great team performance. Every player worked hard. We didn't have many chances, but we took the ones that came our way. Overall, it was a great defensive display that earned us a vital three points."
