Iraola praises impact of subs after fightback at Ipswich

Bobbie Jackson
BBC Sport journalist

Bournemouth scored two late goals to come from behind and record a dramatic victory against Ipswich at Portman Road.

Ipswich were on track for their first home Premier League win since 2002 when the clocked ticked into the 87th minute, thanks to Conor Chaplin's first-half strike.

But Bournemouth, who came on strong in the second half, refused to give up and broke the hearts of the home side thanks to the efforts of two players who came off the bench.

Enes Unal scored the Cherries' equaliser, scrambling the ball over the line from close range.

His fellow substitute Dango Ouattara then grabbed the winner in the fifth minute of additional time as Ipswich failed to clear their lines.

Ipswich's best chances had come in the first half when Chaplin showed composure to net the opener - his first Premier League goal - and Cameron Burgess put a header on to the roof of the net.

Bournemouth's Marcus Tavernier spurned their best two early chances when he failed to make contact from just a yard out and then struck the post.

The visitors came out with intent after the break but were again found wanting until the dramatic finale, with Antoine Semenyo, Evanilson, Justin Kluivert and Lewis Cook unable to strike with enough accuracy.

It looked like Ipswich were going to hang on for all three points until Unal beat Burgess to the ball at the far post for the equaliser.

Even with a point still on the table, Ipswich's heads seemed to drop and Bournemouth went all out.

A lovely passing move was finished off by Ouattara after David Brooks' shot was parried into his path.

Victory moved Bournemouth up to eighth and just three points shy of fourth-placed Manchester City, while Ipswich remained 18th and four points adrift of safety.

Ipswich's wait for home win goes on

Kieran McKenna 'extremely disappointed' after late loss to Bournemouth

Ipswich earned their first Premier League win of the season at Tottenham on 10 November, but the promoted side are still waiting to pick up three points in a home fixture.

The visit of Bournemouth, who were playing for the third time in nine days, represented a great opportunity to achieve that feat.

Ipswich looked much fresher from the outset, thanks to an additional two days to prepare for this game, and they penned Bournemouth back.

Chaplin's beautifully taken opener helped to raise spirits on a damp afternoon and Sammie Szmodics went close to doubling their advantage in the second half, but aside from those moments Bournemouth goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga was barely tested.

Ipswich's fragile defence, which has now conceded 27 goals, was once again exposed in the latter stages as discipline went out the window when Bournemouth committed bodies forward.

Both Bournemouth goals were avoidable, with plenty back to deal with deliveries into the box, but Ipswich were found wanting.

From a mindset of stringing victories together regularly in League One and the Championship over the past two seasons, Ipswich find themselves in a wholly different situation as they scrap at the bottom of the Premier League.

Home form is often an integral part of avoiding relegation for promoted sides and Ipswich have yet to crack the code at Portman Road.

Later on Sunday, Ipswich confirmed club ambassador and former midfielder Simon Milton, 61, was "stable and communicating" after falling ill and going to hospital during the second half.

"He is in good spirits and will head home to rest," the club said.

"He would like to thank the first responders at Portman Road and those that have passed on their best wishes. At this time we ask everyone to respect the privacy of Simon and his family."

Cherries keep on climbing

Getty Images

Dango Ouattara (left) celebrates his winner for Bournemouth

Bournemouth faced a quick turnaround from Thursday's 1-0 win over Tottenham and it was a surprise to see Andoni Iraola make just one change to his starting line-up.

That decision appeared to backfire initially as Bournemouth, known for their high energy and pressing, were unable to follow their manager's philosophy throughout most of the first half.

The Cherries had chances, but only Tavernier's shot off the post caused any serious threat to Arijanet Muric's goal as Ipswich looked in control.

Whatever Iraola said at half-time clearly had an impact as the visitors came flying out of the traps for the second period.

Kluivert, Evanilson, Cook and Semenyo all chanced their arm as Ipswich sat deep and tried to protect their advantage.

Bournemouth seemed to be growing frustrated until Iraola turned to his bench and Unal and Ouattara managed to turn the game on its head.

A third successive top-flight win has propelled the south-coast outfit up the table once more and suggests they could possibly challenge for a European place.

This also marks the first time they have recorded back-to-back away victories since a run of four through November and December last year. A trip to Manchester United on 22 December is Bournemouth's next away excursion.

Player of the match

D. Ouattara
7.64
15 C. Burgess
6.29
10 C. Chaplin
6.11
19 L. Delap
5.78
20 O. Hutchinson
5.75
23 S. Szmodics
5.59
3 L. Davis
5.43
26 D. O'Shea
5.40
14 J. Taylor
5.27
5 Sam Morsy
5.23
18 B. Johnson
5.09
16 Ali Al Hamadi
4.54
47 J. Clarke
4.45
1 A. Murić
4.25
12 J. Cajuste
4.23
7 W. Burns
4.00
Back to team tabs

After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions by BBC Sport users.

Related topics

More on this story