Ipswich scored a 95th minute equalizer to snatch a dramatic point at Southampton in an entertaining clash between the Premier League new boys.
Saints took an early lead through teenager Tyler Dibling and Cameron Archer hit the post, went close and the South Coast club looked set for their first win back in the Premier League.
But in the 95th minute the ball dropped to Ipswich captain Sam Morsy and his deflected shot looped into the top corner to send the away fans wild.
Ipswich now have three points from their first five games as they’ve drawn three in a row. Southampton have one point on the board.
Saints have to find a killer instinct
Despite being a relatively comfortable second half for Southampton, it seemed inevitable that Ipswich would somehow find an equalizer at St Mary’s on Saturday. It came in a cruel way, with Sam Morsy’s shot deflecting into the top corner in the 95th minute. But Southampton were punished for not being ruthless, as veteran Adam Lallana had led the way in a composed, confident display but they couldn’t grab the crucial second goal. Cameron Archer hit the post and struck another shot straight at Muric from close range, while Matheus Fernandes and Ben Brereton Diaz both snatched at big chances. Ipswich had big opportunities too as Aaron Ramsdale made a couple of great stops, but this win was there for Southampton to grab. They didn’t seize the moment and didn’t manage the game properly, as a needless free kick given away in the 94th minute led to Ipswich’s equalizer. The small margins really do count for so much in the Premier League. Both Ipswich and Southampton have shown they can more than hang in there in the top-flight this season (the brilliance of Tyler Dibling and Omari Hutchinson will give them hope) but both are still searching for their first victories as we head into late September. Southampton will be feeling sick after being unable to close out this game and grab what would’ve been a big win to finally give them lift-off back in the Premier League.
Southampton vs Ipswich player ratings
Via our friends at FotMob.com you can see Ramsdale made some fine saves, while Lallana, Fernandes and Dibling were excellent in midfield. Ipswich were solid all over the pitch and captain Sam Morsy came up big with that late equalizer.
What’s next?
Southampton make the short trip to Bournemouth on Monday, September 30. Ipswich host Aston Villa on Sunday, September 29.
How to watch Southampton vs Ipswich live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 10am ET Saturday (September 21)
Venue: St Mary’s Stadium
TV Channel: Peacock Premium
Streaming: Premier League on Peacock
Southampton vs Ipswich final score: 1-1
Dibling 5'; Morsy 95'
Southampton vs Ipswich live updates! - By Joe Prince-Wright
Full time: Southampton 1-1 Ipswich
Southampton will be kicking themselves for not seeing that out. They didn’t look in real trouble of conceding but gave away a cheap free kick and Morsy’s deflected shot rescued a point for Ipswich, while Southampton had plenty of chances to double their lead. It has ended even between the new boys.
Morsy’s deflected shot flies in - Southampton 1-1 Ipswich
Unbelievable drama late on. Morsy’s shot from the edge of the box takes a big deflection off Aribo and spins up and flies into the top corner. So unlucky for Southampton. Ipswich have rescued a point in the 95th minute.
Ramsdale with a huge save in the 94th minute!
Clarke crosses it in and Hirst heads towards goal but Ramsdale tips it over. So close for Ipswich.
Brereton Diaz smashes over
Saints have started to kick on now and Brereton Diaz smashes over as he has a wild whack at it.
Very scrappy at St Mary’s now
Both teams have made a host of subs and some big challenges fare flying in. Lots of yellow cards have been dished out. It’s getting very intense out there. Just over 25 minutes to go.
Fernandes drags his shot with Archer sliding in
A ball over the top finds Matheus Fernandes and his low shot across goal is off target but Archer is sliding in at the back post but he can’t quite get on the end of it.
Szmodics smashes into the side-netting
Ipswich are in but Szmodics smashes his shot into the side-netting from a tight angle. The Tractor Boys are pushing for that equalizer.
Archer denied by Muric
After being played in down the middle, Archer wriggles past two defenders but his shot is straight at Muric who denies him. Big chance for Saints, again.
Half time: Southampton 1-0 Ipswich
That was a fun first half at St Mary’s, as Dibling’s early goal has Saints ahead and Archer hit the post with a chance to make it 2-0. Ipswich have had plenty of the ball and Ramsdale has made a couple of big saves, so the Tractor Boys are still well in this.
Ramsdale with a top save to deny Hutchinson
A really good stop from Ramsdale at his near post to deny Davis, then a corner finds Hutchinson on the edge of the box and Ramsdale tips the ball over the bar. What a stop.
So close to a second for Southampton!
Dibling with a lovely pass through to Archer and he rounds Muric but his shot hits the post.
Szmodics heads at Ramsdale but he was off
Great chance for Ipswich as a cross is whipped in and Szmodics is unmarked six yards out, but he heads straight at Ramsdale. Replays show he was offside anyway, but that was a big chance. It has been all Ipswich since Saints scored.
Perfect start for Southampton as Dibling scores! - Southampton 1-0 Ipswich
What a brilliant goal from Southampton. Adam Lallana, 36 years young, with a great ball to 18-year-old Tyler Dibling. He controls superbly and finishes calmly to send St Mary’s wild. Dibling is the next great hope from Southampton’s academy and that is a very important goal early on in this game. That was his first-ever goal as a pro and he took it look a veteran.
Southampton lineup
Ramsdale; Sugawara, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Taylor; Downes, Lallana; Dibling, Fernandes, Fraser; Archer
Ipswich lineup
Muric; Tuanzebe, O’Shea, Greaves, Davis; Morsy, Cajuste; Burns, Hutchinson, Szmodics; Delap
Southampton focus, team news
Saints have a few injury concerns, with winger Kamaldeen Sulemana close to a return and Will Smallbone nursing a hamstring issue. Captain Jack Stephens is suspended after his red card against Manchester United last weekend. Russell Martin rotated massively for the midweek League Cup win at Everton, as Saints drew 1-1 at Goodison Park but won on penalty kicks to reach the last 16 and that could give them some much-needed confidence. Expect Adam Lallana to start against Ipswich as his experience could be key in helping Saints get their first point(s) of the season. Taylor Harwood-Bellis should start at center back and Martin has a big decision to make in attack with Cameron Archer, Adam Armstrong and Ross Stewart all battling for the No. 9 spot.
OUT: Gavin Bazunu (Achilles), Kamaldeen Sulemana (ankle), Jack Stephens (suspension) | QUESTIONABLE: William Smallbone (thigh)
Ipswich focus, team news
The Tractor Boys have some injury issues with Harry Clarke, Nathan Broadhead and Janoi Donacien all out. McKenna will likely go with the same starting lineup which grabbed a point at Brighton as Ipswich will sit back, let Southampton have the ball and then pick their moments to spring counter attacks. That tactic worked very well for them in their two wins against Southampton last season.
OUT: Janoi Donacien (groin) | QUESTIONABLE: Harry Clarke (calf), Nathan Broadhead (thigh).
Southampton vs Ipswich prediction
As is often the case in these ‘must-win games’ for teams who are destined for a season of struggle, neither team will want to leave themselves too open and we can expect a tight, tense game. A draw feels inevitable. Southampton 1-1 Ipswich.
Southampton vs Ipswich preview
Russell Martin’s Southampton showed plenty of promise in their previous game at home against Manchester United but after Cameron Archer saw his penalty kick saved, they collapsed to another defeat. Saints dominate possession in every single game and play a lovely attractive style, but their next step is being more ruthless at both ends of the pitch which is obviously the toughest thing to do consistently. Especially in the Premier League.
Ipswich have looked pretty settled back in the Premier League after over two decades away, with back-to-back draws against Fulham and Brighton showcasing their defensive solidity and they look very dangerous on the counter. Kieran McKenna guided the Tractor Boys to two narrow wins over Southampton last season and with the sprightly Liam Delap up top (his father Rory played for Southampton and Liam chose to sign for Ipswich over Saints this summer) they have a direct runner who isn’t afraid to have a pop from anywhere.
