Jadon Sancho rescued a point for Chelsea as the Blues battled back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Ipswich Town at Stamford Bridge.
The visitors took a shock lead when Julio Enciso got on the end of Ben Johnson's low cross as Ipswich scored with their first attempt of the match.
That first goal gave the Tractor Boys some confidence, and the pair combined again for the second goal, when Johnson headed in from Enciso's cross to double Ipswich's advantage.
Chelsea halved the lead within 20 seconds of the restart, as Noni Madueke's cross caused all sorts of problems for the defence, and Axel Tuanzebe got the final touch for an unfortunate own goal.
Sancho then curled in a wonderful equaliser, before the hosts pushed for a winner late on, but Alex Palmer made a string of fine saves towards the end to ensure that Ipswich earned their point.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
© Imago
It took Ipswich some time to get going in this match, as Chelsea had control of the opening stages of the game, with Nicolas Jackson hitting the post and Madueke also going close for the Blues.
Enciso's strike in the 19th minute was their first effort on goal, but it helped the visitors to settle into the game, and they were in dreamland when Johnson added a second just over 10 minutes later.
As the whistle sounded for the break, a chorus of boos went round Stamford Bridge, with the home faithful voicing their displeasure at the performance.
The response from Chelsea was quick, as they pulled one back less than a minute into the second half, to give the hosts hope of a comeback.
Sancho silenced those that booed when he was subbed on, as he curled in an equaliser for the hosts, and Chelsea could have won it late on, but for some fine saves by Ipswich's Palmer.
The result does not help Chelsea in their bid for Champions League football, and it puts Ipswich even closer to the drop, but the Tractor Boys will be more pleased with this result, despite blowing a two-goal lead.
CHELSEA VS. IPSWICH TOWN HIGHLIGHTS
19th min: Chelsea 0-1 Ipswich Town (Julio Enciso)
© Iconsport
This is certainly against the run of play, but Ipswich are in front!
The visitors venture forward with George Hirst, who plays in Johnson, and then the former West Ham United man crosses it for Enciso, who finishes it first time!
31st min: Chelsea 0-2 Ipswich Town (Ben Johnson)
© Iconsport
Wow! Ipswich have taken control of this match here!
The same duo combine again for the second, as Enciso turns provider for Johnson, who heads past Robert Sanchez to double Ipswich's advantage!
VAR check for a potential offside against Enciso, but he was ruled onside and the goal stands!
46th min: Chelsea 1-2 Ipswich Town (Axel Tuanzebe own goal)
© Imago
A lifeline for the Blues, just 20 seconds into the second half! Madueke crosses the ball into a dangerous area, and the ball is bundled into the net, with Marc Cucurella off celebrating the goal.
However, it looks as if Tuanzebe has got the final touch, and this one will go down as an own goal! Either way, it is now game on at Stamford Bridge!
79th min: Chelsea 2-2 Ipswich Town (Jadon Sancho)
© Iconsport
Chelsea are level! The decision to bring Sancho on for Madueke was hardly greeted with joy from the Chelsea faithful, but it is looking like a good decision now!
Sancho receives the ball from a short corner, and then turns to curl in an absolute beauty to level the scores!
MAN OF THE MATCH - BEN JOHNSON
© Imago
The defender put in a very positive display for the visitors, and he played a big part in his side getting a draw, both from a defensive perspective and going forward.
He provided both an assist and a goal for his side in an excellent performance overall.
CHELSEA VS. IPSWICH TOWN MATCH STATS
Possession: Chelsea 74%-26% Ipswich Town
Shots: Chelsea 34-13 Ipswich Town
Shots on target: Chelsea 9-4 Ipswich Town
Corners: Chelsea 15-4 Ipswich Town
Fouls: Chelsea 11-7 Ipswich Town
BEST STATS
✌️ @IpswichTown are 2-0 up away at Chelsea!
— Premier League (@premierleague) April 13, 2025
Ben Johnson, who assisted Julio Enciso's opener, has now got his first goal of the season ⚽️#CHEIPS pic.twitter.com/v4oqaXlvhI
#CHEIPS – 31' VAR OVERTURN
— Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) April 13, 2025
VAR checked the referee's call of no goal for Ipswich - and determined that Enciso was in an onside position in the build-up and recommended that the goal was awarded. pic.twitter.com/NvQvMzWxbf
Jadon Sancho 🤤 pic.twitter.com/ooCHIxpJiQ
— Premier League (@premierleague) April 13, 2025
WHAT NEXT?
Chelsea are back in European action on Thursday evening as they take on Legia Warsaw in the second leg of their Conference League quarter-final tie.
The Blues have a healthy 3-0 lead from the first leg in Poland, and they are expected to finish the job off with ease at Stamford Bridge.
Meanwhile, Ipswich face another London club next weekend as they play against Arsenal at Portman Road next Sunday.
Tom Humphrey
