Ipswich’s Premier League Hopes Dwindle as Relegation Looms
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When Ipswich host Arsenal on Sunday, it will be one day short of 23 years since a 2-0 defeat at Highbury all but sealed their relegation. The Suffolk side have not played in the top flight for over two decades, but this season’s return has been marked by unbridled misery.
According to The Guardian, Ipswich’s chances of avoiding relegation appear slim. They trail 14 points behind the safety zone with six matches remaining, and a defeat to Arsenal on Sunday could confirm their fate. West Ham and Wolves’ results will also play a crucial role in Ipswich’s survival hopes.
Despite the bleak outlook, Ipswich’s manager, Kieran McKenna, remains optimistic. He has transformed the team since taking over in December 2021, guiding them to double promotions from League One. However, this season’s challenge has proven too great, and McKenna accepts that his side has been outmatched by clubs with years of Premier League experience and deeper pockets.
“We’ve had a challenge, it was always going to be a challenge,” McKenna said last week, as reported by The Guardian. “This year has been a challenge, but I think there’s still the potential to make some big strides over the next few years.”
Ipswich’s summer spending spree, which totaled £110m, was seen as a statement of intent, but some signings have not paid off. The goalkeeper Arijanet Muric, for instance, has not been seen since a 2-0 win against Southampton, and his initial £10m fee might have been better spent.
The wingers Jack Clarke and Jaden Philogene, who cost £20m, have struggled to adapt to the Premier League, while Omari Hutchinson has been a bright spot, but will likely attract suitors this summer. Liam Delap, a 22-year-old striker, has been a success story, but his £30m price tag will likely see him leave this summer.
McKenna and Ipswich can point to an injury list that has decimated their right flank, with Chiedozie Ogbene and Wes Burns sidelined for extended periods. Axel Tuanzebe, their best right-back, has struggled to stay available.
Despite the current struggles, Ipswich are confident about their future prospects. A new training ground is under construction, and the academy is set to receive category one status. The team’s American ownership has the financial muscle to support the club, and McKenna is expected to stay on.
The Guardian reports that Ipswich will not have a fire sale this summer, but Delap’s departure is likely. McKenna’s side will look to regroup and come back stronger next season, with the hope that this year’s relegation will be a light stumble. As McKenna said, “I think there’s still the potential to make some big strides over the next few years.”
The road ahead will be tough, but Ipswich are determined to master the shift in tone and return to the Premier League stronger. For now, they face a daunting task against Arsenal on Sunday, which could confirm their relegation.
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With a mix of youth and experience, Ipswich will look to bounce back from this season’s disappointment. Their journey will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike, as they seek to return to the top flight.
Liam Delap has attracted interest and will likely leave this summer, with The Guardian reporting that he will be available for a bargain £30m upon Ipswich’s demotion.
In today’s market, Delap is worth at least twice that, but Ipswich were among interested parties who knew the deal when signing him from Manchester City last summer. He is a generational talent, but it would be remiss not to highlight his improvement under McKenna’s coaching.
As Ipswich look to the future, they will take heart from their progress under McKenna. Despite the current challenges, the club’s long-term prospects remain bright, with a strong squad and a manager who has shown he can deliver results.
The journey to the Premier League is never easy, but Ipswich will be back, stronger and more determined than ever.
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