Ipswich Town pulled off a stunning upset on Wednesday night, defeating Bournemouth 2-1 in a Premier League clash at the Vitality Stadium. The victory marked the Tractor Boys’ first league win of 2025, breathing faint hope into their relegation battle, while Bournemouth’s faltering form continued to cast a shadow over their European aspirations.
The match began with Bournemouth, coming off a disappointing FA Cup quarter-final loss to Manchester City just days prior, looking to assert dominance. Despite controlling possession early on, the Cherries struggled to convert their chances into goals. Manager Andoni Iraola’s side appeared sluggish, perhaps feeling the effects of their recent schedule, and their usually crisp passing lacked its typical sharpness.
Ipswich, under the guidance of Kieran McKenna, capitalized on Bournemouth’s lackluster display. In the 38th minute, Julio Enciso embarked on a dazzling solo run, drawing defenders before laying off a precise pass to Nathan Broadhead. The Welsh forward kept his composure, slotting the ball past Bournemouth goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga with an ice-cool finish to score his first-ever Premier League goal. The visitors led 1-0 at halftime, silencing the home crowd.
The second half saw Ipswich double their advantage in the 63rd minute. Liam Delap, the standout performer of Ipswich’s season, latched onto a through ball and powered his shot into the net, leaving Arrizabalaga with no chance. The goal highlighted Delap’s growing reputation as a clinical finisher and sent a ripple of disbelief through the Vitality Stadium.
Bournemouth responded late, pulling one back in the 78th minute through Evanilson. The Brazilian striker pounced on a loose ball in the box to give the Cherries hope of a comeback. Despite a flurry of late pressure—amassing 24 shots and nearly 2.0 xG—Ipswich’s resolute defending held firm. The Tractor Boys, remarkably, scored from their only two shots on target, showcasing a ruthless efficiency that has been absent for much of their campaign.
For Bournemouth, the defeat marked their fourth consecutive home loss in the league, a stark contrast to their earlier season promise. Sitting 10th with 44 points, they remain just five points off the top four, but this result raises questions about their ability to sustain a push for European football. Iraola, speaking post-match, acknowledged the disappointment: “We had the chances, but we weren’t sharp enough. Ipswich punished us, and we need to learn from this.”
For Ipswich, the win was a lifeline. With only their fourth victory of the season, they climb to 20 points, though they remain 18th and nine points adrift of safety. McKenna praised his team’s resilience: “It’s a massive result for us. The lads showed character to grind it out, and it’s nice to get this win tonight.” Nathan Broadhead echoed his manager’s sentiments, calling the victory “a huge step” in their fight to stay up.