Premier League: Villa’s hopes stalled as Delap secures Ipswich draw

Aston Villa’s hopes of moving into second place in the Premier League were dashed on Sunday as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Ipswich Town at Portman Road. 

Unai Emery’s side fell behind early to a strike from Liam Delap, the 21-year-old forward signed from Manchester City in the off-season.

However, Villa quickly bounced back with goals from Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins, taking the lead before halftime.

Despite Villa’s resurgence, Delap struck again after the break, securing a point for Ipswich. The result meant Villa’s five-match winning streak in all competitions came to an end, leaving them in fifth place, two points behind leaders Liverpool.

Villa, who had hoped to level with Liverpool on points, will now look to regroup ahead of their Champions League clash with Bayern Munich on Wednesday, a rematch of the famous 1982 final.

For Ipswich, the draw marked another step forward as they continue their search for their first top-flight win since April 2002, with this being their fourth draw in six league matches.

Despite the result, it was another promising display from the newly-promoted side. But they didn’t find it easy to maintain that momentum against combative Ipswich.

Ipswich took the lead with a well-crafted raid in their first attack after eight minutes.

Delap produced a fine finish, meeting Jack Clarke’s pass with a low shot that squeezed past Villa ‘keeper Emiliano Martinez’s weak attempted save at his near post.

– Delap steals the spotlight –

Jacob Greaves’ wayward clearance inside his own area was cut out by Rogers, who accepted the gift with a powerful finish that flashed past Arijanet Muric from 10 yards.

Ipswich twice went close to regaining the lead with headers from Axel Tuanzebe and then Clarke, but neither could quite keep their effort on target.

Watkins put Villa in front in the 32nd minute, the England striker rising highest to meet Leon Bailey’s pin-point cross with a clinical close-range header.

Watkins’ fourth goal in his last four games in all competitions was almost followed by an immediate Ipswich equaliser.

Kalvin Phillips’ ferocious long-range drive had Martinez scrambling to push it away for a corner.

Given a two-match ban from Argentina games this week from offensive behaviour on international duty, Martinez had set about restoring his tarnished reputation.

The 32-year-old made another excellent stop when he stuck his foot out to block Delap’s shot after the forward burst through on goal.

Unbeaten in their last nine league matches when leading at half-time, Emery’s men were denied a third goal early in the second half as Muric rushed off his line to head clear from Watkins.

Ipswich captain Sam Morsy was fortunate to avoid being sent off for a second booking after a crude foul on Jaden Philogene.

Villa protested but Delap hauled Ipswich level in the 72nd minute.

Cutting in from the left flank, Delap’s pace and poise left Villa defender Ezri Konsa trailing in his wake as he glided into the area and planted a fine finish into the far corner.