Sports

Ipswich Struggle to Keep Clean Sheets Amid Defensive Lapses

By Timothy Abraham - BBC Sport Journalist

Ipswich’s defensive problems are growing more troubling as the club has now gone 29 consecutive Premier League matches without a clean sheet, a streak matched only by Manchester United this season. Goalkeeper Christian Walton’s performance was a key factor, as he appeared to struggle to stop a shot from Evanilson, ultimately losing the ball to the Brazilian. The error was one of several that frustrated manager Gary O’Neil, especially after the team failed to improve after the break. The side were also caught cold at the start of both halves, with Abdoul Ouattara making another careless mistake. O’Neil commented afterward, "If you give the ball to the opposition number nine twice in the Premier League, it's going to be a difficult afternoon for you." On a more positive note, O’Neil’s use of substitutes has been effective this season; Jack Clarke’s late penalty has increased Ipswich’s tally of goals from substitutes to five, the highest in the league.}