'It's time to be a goldfish'

Ouch. That one stung a bit.

Ipswich Town appear to have played Manchester City at the wrong time on both occasions we've faced them this season. Sunday's thrashing at Portman Road felt like Pep's side unloading weeks of frustration all in one go, and Kieran McKenna's side were in the firing line.

While no-one likes being beaten in this manner, and it can't be used as an excuse every week, the scoreline does simply underline the gaping chasm that exists between clubs like mine and the Premier League elite. Just look at our company in the current bottom three. It hardly sends a positive message to the rest of the footballing pyramid does it?

It's vital this defeat is now consigned to history and disregarded by all concerned at IP1. Losing games to Manchester City is an occupational hazard for most top flight teams over the last decade. While I would hope for learning and improvement from how the goals were conceded, the overall relevance for our season is minimal in my opinion. There are much more significant fixtures remaining to decide which side of the 'dotted line' we'll finish.

And one positive from Sunday is the unwavering support of the Blue Army. The scenes at full-time demonstrated that most Town fans 'get it' – that they understand the challenging circumstances McKenna's side face having "climbed the mountain really, really, quickly" as he put it at full-time.

But some weeks things will come together for Town, as has been proven in enough fixtures both home and away. Taking each game 'as it comes' (as the cliché goes) and in isolation from what goes before or after is the best way to prepare.

So, to quote Ted Lasso, it's time to "be a goldfish". Be a goldfish and travel to Anfield on Saturday (eek!).

Find more from Richard Woodward at the Blue Monday Podcast