The away conundrum

How do Ipswich solve their poor away performances? Saturday's humbling 4-1 defeat at the London Stadium against West Ham was a stark contrast to the previous weekend’s passionate and encouraging draw at home to Aston Villa.

At Portman Road this season we have seen competitiveness and moments of quality against Liverpool, Fulham and Villa. With a raucous crowd driving them forward, the players respond with the positive attacking football that Ipswich fans have become so accustomed to in recent years.

Away from home however it is a different story. Going 1-0 up away at Manchester City simply 'angered the beast' and all fans accepted that defeat as a result of world class players doing world class things. The 95th minute equaliser away at St Mary's was celebrated wildly but had Southampton taken their chances that could have easily been merely a consolation goal. Saturday was a horror show defensively at times and away from home things are not clicking. At times we are too easy to score against with opposition teams rarely having to work hard for their rewards.

Perhaps more midfield solidity is required in games where the opposition will dominate possession. Playing Jack Taylor or Jens Cajuste, in a slightly more advanced role, could be the answer to maintaining an attacking threat but also providing the ability to congest the centre of the pitch and add some protection for the defence.

The three attackers behind the central striker are crucial in providing the goals in our system but away from home they are too often passengers who struggle to get into the game. Liam Delap has proved a revelation but needs help and support. Solving this conundrum, along with tightening up defensively, will be crucial to our survival chances.

Find more from Seb Brown at the Blue Monday Podcast