Southampton's hearts were broken on Saturday afternoon as Ipswich struck late to draw back level after an early goal for the hosts looked to have secured their first three points of the campaign.
Despite starting the game on the back foot, with Ipswich having several chances in the opening minutes, it was Southampton who took the early lead when Tyler Dibling placed his shot into the near corner, breaking the deadlock and scoring the first senior goal of his career.
Ipswich responded well and continued to threaten an equaliser, but the Tractor Boys were unable to capitalise on their chances, allowing the Saints to gain momentum and come close to doubling their lead when Cameron Archer struck the post after rounding the goalkeeper.
Kieran McKenna's men regained the upper hand in the final minutes of the first half, pressing to level the game with several attempts, but Southampton stood strong, preserving their lead heading into the break.
The hosts came out fast from the restart, with Southampton creating several chances to double their lead but ultimately failing to convert, leaving Ipswich with a glimmer of hope for a comeback.
McKenna's men remained the inferior side for much of the second half, and even when they mounted a rare counter, the final ball lacked any real quality, allowing Southampton to swiftly retake control.
As the clock ticked down towards the final whistle, Sam Morsy delivered a stunning volley to level the score, dramatically denying Southampton their first win of the Premier League season.
SOUTHAMPTON VS. IPSWICH TOWN HIGHLIGHTS
Tyler Dibling goal vs. Ipswich Town (6th min, Southampton 1-0 Ipswich Town)
© Imago
Ipswich fail to clear their lines as Axel Tuanzebe loses the ball cheaply, allowing Southampton to reclaim possession and shift it to Adam Lallana at the edge of the opposition area.
The veteran midfielder pauses to compose himself before executing a brilliant reverse pass to Dibling in the box, with the youngster taking a fantastic touch before slotting into the near corner, scoring his first senior goal and giving the Saints an early lead against the run of play.
Sam Morsy goal vs. Southampton (95th min, Southampton 1-1 Ipswich Town)
© Imago
A late corner from Ipswich is cleared to the edge of the area by the hosts, but only as far as Captain Morsy.
The midfielder takes a touch before unleashing a fierce volley towards goal, with his strike deflecting off Joe Aribo on its way into the top corner, giving the Tractor Boys a late leveller.
MAN OF THE MATCH - TYLER DIBLING
© Imago
Having impressed on his full Premier League debut against Manchester United last weekend, Dibling continued his fine form as he terrorised the Ipswich defence throughout his 82 minutes on the pitch.
The 18-year-old not only scored the opening goal, his first in senior football, but also created one big chance, made one key pass, completed three successful dribbles, and contributed to nearly every attacking move Southampton produced.
A shoutout must also be made to 36-year-old Lallana, who dictated the tempo of the match from the middle of the park for the Saints, as well as delivering a stunning pass for Dibling's goal.
SOUTHAMPTON VS. IPSWICH TOWN MATCH STATS
Possession: Southampton 54%-46% Ipswich Town
Shots: Southampton 11-13 Ipswich Town
Shots on target: Southampton 3-6 Ipswich Town
Corners: Southampton 2-10 Ipswich Town
Fouls: Southampton 16-16 Ipswich Town
WHAT NEXT?
Having been denied their first victory of the 2024-25 Premier League season, Southampton will continue their search for a first win when they travel to face South Coast rivals Bournemouth next weekend.
The draw means Ipswich's search for their first three points will also continue when they take on the high-flying Aston Villa in a difficult home match next Sunday.
Ellis Stevens
