Flemming scores late as Ipswich beat 10-man Crystal Palace in five-goal thriller
Zian Flemming came off the bench to score a late winner as Ipswich Town beat 10-man Crystal Palace 3-2 at Selhurst Park, earning the Tractor Boys their first Premier League victory over the Eagles in seven attempts.
It was a frantic match from the start, with Ipswich eventually overcoming a late Palace push after Emersonn’s first-half double had put the visitors in control.
Match highlight
Ipswich made a shaky opening. Kjell Scherpen gave the ball to Adam Wharton in a dangerous position, but Wharton hesitated and returned it to the Ipswich goalkeeper instead of punishing the mistake.
Palace did take the lead in the 14th minute. Daichi Kamada found Anan Khalaili, whose shot took a deflection off Leif Davis and flew beyond Scherpen. It was Khalaili’s first goal for Palace.
Ipswich responded well. Nine minutes later, Davis sent in a precise cross and Emersonn rose unmarked to head a powerful equaliser past Walter Benitez.
Palace’s situation worsened in the 34th minute when Axel Disasi was shown a straight red card for bringing down Jack Clarke. The hosts were reduced to 10 men, and Ipswich made their numerical advantage count before half-time.
Dara O’Shea’s pass found Emersonn, whose header dropped into Davis’ path. The Ipswich left-back then headed over the stranded Benitez to put the visitors 2-1 ahead.
Emersonn remained the main danger after the break. He ran past Honest Ahanor and Tyrick Mitchell but sent two attempts off target. Clarke also tested Benitez at his near post.
Ipswich suffered a setback just after the hour when Emersonn was forced off injured. Palace sensed an opportunity and began to press for an equaliser.
Quinten Timber had two good chances. He fired one effort wide, then saw another stopped by Scherpen. Palace’s pressure finally paid off with 15 minutes left. Jorgen Strand Larsen beat Issa Diop before curling a fine finish into the bottom corner.
Khalaili then had a huge chance to complete the comeback after Scherpen failed to hold Will Hughes’ cross, but he fired over the bar.
Ipswich made Palace pay for that miss. Davis’ header struck the crossbar, and Flemming was quickest to the rebound, steering the ball home to restore Ipswich’s lead late on.
The goal gave Ipswich their second league win of the season after defeats to Manchester United and Liverpool. It also handed Palace their first loss in three matches.
