IPSWICH: After Newcastle United defeated Manchester United 2-0 at Old Trafford and lowly Ipswich defeated the Blues 2-0 at Portman Road on Monday, Enzo Maresca acknowledged Chelsea shouldn’t consider vying for the Premier League title. This was an ugly conclusion to one of the most dreadful months in the home team’s recent history.
Liam Delap’s early penalty and former Chelsea winger Omari Hutchinson’s strike in the second half both stunned Maresca’s team.
After losing to Fulham on Boxing Day, Chelsea suffered their second straight loss, leaving them winless in their last three games.
Following an eight-game winning streak across all competitions, the West Londoners have become unexpected title candidates.
However, Maresca had maintained throughout that time that Chelsea’s young team had the necessary skills to win the championship in his first season after joining from Leicester City.
And following a shocking outcome in Suffolk that has Chelsea in fourth place, 10 points behind champions Liverpool, who still have a game in hand, the Italian’s prognosis appears to be accurate.
“Game by game, we concentrate. Title races and such are not our priorities,” Maresca stated.
The game was peculiar. We had numerous opportunities, but there were times when we could have done more and played better defense.
Nobody anticipated where we are now that the season’s first half is over. The race is lengthy.
After winning for the second time in their last four games, third-bottom Ipswich move within one point of safety.
Their first top-flight home victory in twenty-two years has given Kieran McKenna’s team new hope that they may avoid relegation back to the Championship.
“The club is having a special night. It was the first Premier League home victory at Portman Road in twenty-two years, and defeating Chelsea was an incredible accomplishment,” McKenna remarked.
For the majority of the supporters, who have been here for 22 years, each moment is significant. Another noteworthy small milestone is winning the home game. However, I believe that the opponent, the night game, and the season make this a memorable evening, and I want everyone to have a great time.
In the meantime, Newcastle’s Joelinton and Alexander Isak each scored a goal to give Manchester United their fifth defeat in the previous six league games.
As a result, United finished the year in 14th place with 19 points, their lowest position since they were 15th in 1989. With 32 points, Newcastle is in fifth place.
Manager Ruben Amorim described the team’s standing in the standings as “one of the more difficult moments in Manchester United’s history.” “We have to fight to win the next game, even though it’s a really tough moment right now.”
In the fourth minute, Isak put the visitors ahead after he sprang to head home a precise cross from Lewis Hall after neither Lisandro Martinez nor Harry Maguire could catch him.
Isak, who has eight more Premier League goals in December than any other player, scored the goal for the eleventh time in eleven games.
In almost exact same fashion, Newcastle increased their advantage in the 19th minute when Joelinton headed in a cross from Anthony Gordon.
After 40 league visits since 1972, this victory was Newcastle’s second at Old Trafford.
“We were aware of the historical harm this match has caused us,” stated Eddie Howe, the manager of Newcastle. “That was a significant advancement for us today, even if we didn’t necessarily apply it with the players. I believe that in order to regularly accomplish our goals, we must win games like these.
Additionally, Manchester United has lost three straight league games at home for the first time since 1979. December saw them give up 18 goals in all competitions, the most in a single month since March 1964 (also 18).
Amorim also acknowledged that United is currently facing the possibility of relegation.
“We need to be honest with our supporters, and I believe that relegation is a possibility.” This season will be extremely difficult for everyone, but we need to make a change,” Amorim stated.
Tariq Lamptey of Brighton & Hove Albion scored a late equalizer to give his team a point in a thrilling 2-2 draw at Aston Villa in Monday’s other match.
Simon Adingra gave Brighton the lead, but shortly after halftime, Villa rallied with goals from Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins. Nevertheless, the Seagulls rightfully took home a portion of the loot.
Joao Pedro’s deft flick sent Lamptey in, and in the 81st minute, he volleyed in for the first time.
Brighton’s second draw of the holiday season dropped them two points to 10th place, while Villa held onto ninth place with 29 points from 19 games.
