Ipswich’s Sam Morsy strikes in stoppage time to frustrate Southampton

  • 9/21/2024
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Sam Morsy struck a dramatic added-time equaliser as Ipswich snatched a draw against fellow promoted side Southampton. Saints were set to pick up a precious first top-flight victory of the season after the first career goal from the 18-year-old academy graduate Tyler Dibling, but Morsy levelled five minutes beyond the 90 with a deflected drive from the edge of the penalty area. Both sides remain without league wins after five matches since coming up from the Championship. “I’m really angry and frustrated that we haven’t seen the game out,” said the Southampton manager, Russell Martin. “There was so much good stuff but the overriding feeling is being disappointed. We made a few fundamental errors that we haven’t done in training so it has to be down to the anxiety. It was our best performance, but it wasn’t enough to get the win so I’m allowed to be angry and annoyed.” Cameron Archer wasted two golden chances, including hitting a post, to give the hosts breathing space while Aaron Ramsdale produced superb saves to prevent Omari Hutchinson and George Hirst levelling before the late twist. Ipswich arrived on the back of successive draws and having done the double over Southampton last season. The Manchester City loanee Kalvin Phillips was replaced by Jens Cajuste in the midfield due to a thigh injury while Saints’ four changes included a first league start this term for Adam Lallana, who swiftly justified his selection by delightfully setting up a teammate half his age. The 36-year-old carved open the visitors’ defence with an exquisite through ball, leaving Dibling to take a couple of touches and gleefully bury a finish beyond Arijanet Muric. Despite the early setback, Ipswich were initially the greater threat. Sammie Szmodics directed a half-volley wide and later fluffed a close-range free header, albeit from an offside position. Southampton survived more nervy moments but should have stretched their lead in the 27th minute. Archer was released by Dibling and, having held off Jacob Greaves and Dara O’Shea, rounded goalkeeper Muric, only to roll the ball against the base of the left post. Kieran McKenna, the Ipswich manager, would have been frustrated to be behind at the break. Ramsdale saved from Leif Davis and O’Shea before producing a spectacular stop to turn over Hutchinson’s powerful effort in added time. Archer, who was culpable of a pivotal penalty miss in last Saturday’s 3-0 loss to Manchester United, failed to capitalise on another excellent chance early in the second half, poking straight at Muric after again escaping O’Shea and Greaves. Ipswich were struggling to rediscover the attacking enterprise they showed in the first half. The substitute Jack Taylor sparked a mass brawl with a mistimed sliding tackle during an ill-tempered spell that disrupted the rhythm of the match. Ipswich appeared destined to return home empty-handed after Ramsdale tipped over a header from Hirst. But, from the resultant corner, the partially cleared ball broke kindly to Morsy and his drive took a significant touch off Joe Aribo to fly into the top-left corner. “It was a fantastic way to finish the game,” said McKenna. “For the captain to step up, strike it well and for the goal to come in front of the away supporters to get a point is a great thing. We’re edging in the right direction. It’s about keep developing as a team, keep improving.”

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