Match Report: Tottenham 1-2 Ipswich – The Doctor will see you now

Match report: Troubling inconsistency reared its head yet again for Tottenham as Ipswich Town claimed their first Premier League win of the season in a spirited 2-1 performance.

Ange Postecoglou‘s side, in desperate need of stability, looked well off the mark at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, falling to a side that entered the match as rank underdogs but left as worthy victors.

While Spurs have displayed flashes of brilliance this season against tougher teams, today’s match will haunt them — highlighting the flaws that could be their undoing if left unchecked. Let’s have a look at the match report.

Match report: Tottenham 1-2 Ipswich

From the outset, Spurs seemed sluggish and unprepared, a worrying trend that has become too familiar. Despite Tottenham creating some chances, their xG of 1.82 fell short against Ipswich’s impressive 1.74, underscoring the visitors’ superior cutting edge.

Sammie Szmodics’ stunning overhead kick in the 31st minute exemplified Ipswich’s bold approach. Cajuste’s ball found Szmodics, who took advantage of poor communication between Johnson and Porro to pull off an acrobatic finish that stunned Vicario and gave Ipswich a deserved lead.

Then, just minutes before half-time, Ipswich struck again. Szmodics turned provider, driving forward with intent and delivering a low cross that dragged Tottenham’s defenders out of position. Amid the chaos, Delap managed to bundle the ball over the line that was poorly cleared by Dragusin, and the Spurs faithful looked on in disbelief as Ipswich went 2-0 up.

Disallowed chances and frustration in the second half

The start of the second half brought a glimmer of hope when Solanke appeared to have scored, only for VAR to intervene and disallow the goal due to a handball. Not long after, Tottenham were denied again as VAR ruled against their appeals for a handball by Ipswich’s Davis, adding to the mounting frustration.

Spurs’ eventual breakthrough came in the 69th minute, when Rodrigo Bentancur’s header found the back of the net from Pedro Porro’s corner. Bentancur, the day’s standout performer, fought relentlessly in midfield, showcasing his quality and determination in an otherwise uninspired Tottenham display. This was Porro’s first assist of the season, providing Spurs with a glimmer of hope.

However, Ipswich’s defence held firm, weathering Tottenham’s late pressure and sealing the win with a level of grit and organisation that Spurs seemed to lack. The second-half whistle couldn’t come soon enough for Postecoglou’s men, as boos echoed around the stadium.

Where’s the solution?

With this loss, Tottenham have now conceded five goals in the final 15 minutes of the first half, highlighting an alarming pattern of lapses in concentration. Vicario, struggling with confidence on set pieces, seemed hesitant to claim balls in dangerous areas, while the defence around him appeared disorganised and unsure. In critical moments, instead of marking opposition threats, Spurs’ players were more focused on positioning themselves around Vicario, leaving opponents unmarked.

This season’s struggles against relegation-battling teams suggest a lack of urgency or maybe even complacency — something that must be urgently addressed.

Postecoglou has rarely altered his formation, making Spurs’ playstyle increasingly predictable. Today, it was Ipswich who kept Spurs on edge, frequently adjusting their own shape to disrupt the hosts. While Solanke and Kulusevski worked hard to generate opportunities, their efforts ultimately failed to deliver a much-needed turnaround.

Looking ahead for Tottenham

As Tottenham’s fans head into the international break, questions abound. This is now the second time this season Spurs have fallen to a winless side, a frustrating reminder of their vulnerability. Ironically, they will face Manchester City after the break — a team against whom Spurs often seem to rise to the occasion. It wouldn’t be surprising if they put on a stellar performance against Pep Guardiola’s men, only to repeat this trend against a struggling side in the next fixture.

With injuries piling up and a depleted squad showing signs of fatigue, Tottenham must address these inconsistencies quickly. A few well-chosen reinforcements in the January transfer window could go a long way in shoring up the defence and injecting some fresh energy. Rodrigo Bentancur’s presence today proved invaluable, with three dribbles and a clear vision in the middle of the park, yet even he can’t turn Spurs’ fortunes alone.

Tottenham’s knack for taking down top teams remains alive, but to become true contenders, they’ll need to find that same edge against every opponent, regardless of league position. For now, Spurs fans can only hope this rocky season finds steadier footing before the gap to the top grows too wide.

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