Ipswich Town FC - George Burley, Unfinished Business!

[Harris4Ips]

No, dont think i've seen an Ipswich story yet either.
Such a shame, chances are you'd have got European football by getting into the final too! Definitly better playing the game honestly though.
I'll definitely be following mate, any idea on transfers for the premiership?

If you get chance by the way, I'd appreciate if you could give my story a quick read
http://www.fm-base.co.uk/forum/foot...r-stories/230221-celtic-story-difference.html

Ahhh mannn i totally forgot about that! What an opportunity that would have been!
Havnt really looked into transfers for next season just yet. Ive kept Grealish and O'Connell for another season. So thats a good start! Ben Watson ive signed from Wigan for £400k as his contract was expiring. He may not be a starter, but definitely good to have around for rotation and gives me more depth at centre midfield.

Any recommendations for me? Would prefer to sign some decent young prospects to join Bonazzoli.

I did see that story in the list to be fair. I shall give it a read through

 

[PaperClipFMer]

Ahhh mannn i totally forgot about that! What an opportunity that would have been!
Havnt really looked into transfers for next season just yet. Ive kept Grealish and O'Connell for another season. So thats a good start! Ben Watson ive signed from Wigan for £400k as his contract was expiring. He may not be a starter, but definitely good to have around for rotation and gives me more depth at centre midfield.

Any recommendations for me? Would prefer to sign some decent young prospects to join Bonazzoli.

I did see that story in the list to be fair. I shall give it a read through

Grealish is a great signing mate, surprised you managed to get him for a second season. Yeah, i've attached a screenshot of signings made in my Sheff Utd save when we made it to the premier league.

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I'd definitely look at signing Alen Halilovic, Ibrahima Traore and Adam Forshaw. Halilovic became our player of the year after scoring about 15 goals. Traore scored a similar amount and was available for loan. Also signed Dele Alli the year before who was an absolute beast, ended up getting offers for £20m+ when he was still only about 22.

 

[Harris4Ips]

Grealish is a great signing mate, surprised you managed to get him for a second season. Yeah, i've attached a screenshot of signings made in my Sheff Utd save when we made it to the premier league.

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I'd definitely look at signing Alen Halilovic, Ibrahima Traore and Adam Forshaw. Halilovic became our player of the year after scoring about 15 goals. Traore scored a similar amount and was available for loan. Also signed Dele Alli the year before who was an absolute beast, ended up getting offers for £20m+ when he was still only about 22.

Thanks!! Ive just been searching for players with the right attributes for each position and ive actually got Forshaw now being scouted.
Quite a few being scouted at the relegated prem teams too so hoping i can pick a few people up for lower than their valuations!

Im thinking Goalkeeper and defence should be my first priority. They do say its best to build from the back!?

 

[PaperClipFMer]

Thanks!! Ive just been searching for players with the right attributes for each position and ive actually got Forshaw now being scouted.
Quite a few being scouted at the relegated prem teams too so hoping i can pick a few people up for lower than their valuations!

Im thinking Goalkeeper and defence should be my first priority. They do say its best to build from the back!?

Forshaw was good for me, some of the bigger teams even offered for him towards the end.
definitely, i'm afriad i cant help with a good goalkeeper though as i never really found one

 

[Harris4Ips]

Currently considering making £9m on Tommy Smith and replacing him with £5.5m Danny Batth from Wolves. Batth's attributes for the Cb Stopper are better than Smiths and his scout report makes good reading.
Smith did request for a transfer a few weeks but i said "I dont think youd get as much first team football" he agreed and ended up wanting to stay. I hope a potential transfer away now wont disrupt the teams harmony!

 

[Harris4Ips]

Forshaw was good for me, some of the bigger teams even offered for him towards the end.
definitely, i'm afriad i cant help with a good goalkeeper though as i never really found one

Im keeping an eye on Forshaw, but im looking into the possibility of signing Will Hughes! I had him on my Arsenal save and i know he becomes a beast at RM - WM (a)

Im looking into the potential sale of Asmir Begovic from Stoke as they were relegated. Im going to leave that one for now though as i hope to get him cheaper.

Wesley Foderingham from Swindon is a nice cheap option. He has potential to grow as well. So may get him and move on Bialkowski

 

[Harris4Ips]

I can confirm Tommy Smith has been sold on to Newcastle for £8.75m in a lump sum. Coming straight in as a replacement is Danny Batth from Wolves for £5.5m. Batth is a year younger than Smith. He has slightly better attributes for the cb stopper role and ive made £3m profit difference from the two sales. I feel happy with that. Batth is potentially better than Smith. Plus i have an extra £3m to spend elsewhere.

Currently waiting on Will Hughes to accept a contract after Derby accepted a £12m bid from me. £5m upfront and £7m over 2 season. Im not too keen on doing monthly instalments as it can catch you out and leave in trouble financially if youre not careful. But i feel confident Will Hughes can perform to keep us in the Prem. In a few years if he looks to move on, i can make a good £10+ on him easy.

 

[Harris4Ips]

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The fixtures have been released!

Ipswichs return to the Premier League will see an opening day trip to Anfield. Which funnily enough was Ipswich Towns last fixture in the Premier league before getting relegated to The Championship 14 years ago. Very strange coincidence. That fixture ended 5-0 to Liverpool as Ipswich were sent crashing back down to The Championship.
George Burley was of course manager then, so he will feel a little bit of revenge is on the cards.


Their first game at Portman Road will see the Tractor boys welcome Arsenal. So a very tough opening few fixtures.
The next few games will see them face off against familiar rivals, Nottingham Forest who won promotion with Ipswich last season. The 5th game of campaign will see Ipswich welcome back Burnley to Portman road. Where of course Ipswich famously beat them 5-2 in the 3rd round of the FA CUP last season.

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Pre season fixtures and current transfer dealings to follow .....

ITID
COYB

 

[Harris4Ips]

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A decent pre season lined up for the Tractor boys. It will all begin on the 7th July 2015 as George Burley takes his side on tour to his beloved Scotland. Ipswich went on tour here last season and come back full of confidence.
Following the tour, Ipswich will have 2 friendlies in Ireland against Shamrock & Cork. Ipswich for years previous made it a tradition to go on tour in Ireland as they have a large following of supporters there. Mostly down to the large influx of Irish players and managers over the years.

Ipswich return from Ireland with two home games to test their skills. First at home to German outfit Leverkusen. This should prove to be a real tough game for the blues. But it will give manager Burley a better indication of where his side are in terms of ability. That game is followed up by a visit from Belgian side Antwerp. George Burley would like to scout the Belgian leagues he feels he can bring in some real young gems. Ipswich are still building their reputation so it will be a little while yet before they can persuade youngsters to leave the likes of, PSG, Barcelona & Juventus.

Ipswich Town finish their preseason off against two local sides in Ipswich Wanderers and Needham Market. George Burley insists playing local sides like this will help with their finances a little and always encourages the local teams.
Joe Nicholas, a recent player from the youth intake was born in Felixstowe. So playing these local sides is also an opportunity to get potential wonderkids.
Finishing their pre season against these two sides is also good for confidence as they are widely expected to get a big win. If morale is low at any point this can be good for getting the players happy and motivated for the tough season ahead.
Ipswich have strengthened in a couple of positions through the transfer market. But realistically they are still some way off being able to compete with the best. George Burley will be relying hugely on keeping a superb squad harmony hoping this can help Ipswich pick off results here and there to survive their first season back in the Premiership.

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Tommy Smith sold on for £8.75m was a good bit of business. Especially as they replaced him with a central defender who is younger and arguably slightly better in Danny Batth for £5.5m.
Ben Watson was signed to strengthen in depth in the DM CM positions. His contract was due to run out, so Ipswich jumped first and decided to pay £425k for the 29 year old englishman. It is seen as a bit of a shrewd signing as he can help the other youngsters in the club also.
Will Hughes is the standout transfer so far. Signed for a massive £12m. This transfer has seen Ipswich break their record transfer fee paid for a player twice now after Danny Batth.
£5m was paid upfront with £7m to be paid over the next 2 years. Some fans questioned Burleys methods here as they show concern for the clubs finances. But Burley insists its a good bit of business as Will Hughes has a huge amount of potential and could become and England and (hopefully) Ipswich Town great for years to come.

George Burley hasnt much left of his transfer budget, but rumuors are he is looking to make some money from sales for Cole Skuse. Ipswich have good depth in this position now. Despite Skuse's superb form last season, Burley would like make some cash from the 29year old as he is looking to Luke Hyam to step up and finally fulfill his potential.

Frank Nouble and Paul Taylor signed new contracts. Questions were asked of Burley for offering these two players new deals as they didnt see futures for them at the club. But, 3 months on, both players are now worth £5.5m and £2.5m respectively. If Burley can make this kind of money out of them it will see the club return a healthy profit and increase their bank balance back up to a good state.

The loan market is where George Burley will be looking to make an impact now. He has offered several deals to take young players on loan with a view to buying them permanently. He is keeping tight lipped as he does not want to lose his targets to other teams.

 

[Tracz]

Great job to go up first season.
Finances will defo improve with prem league tv revenue.
Dont spend to much over monthly payments or those finances will get bad if you dont start winning trophies quickly.

Im starting to think about starting a new save with town, never kept a long term save going with them.

 

[xJamieWilliams]

reckon they will beat Brighton tonight IRL? I have them on my bet!

 

[Harris4Ips]

Great job to go up first season.
Finances will defo improve with prem league tv revenue.
Dont spend to much over monthly payments or those finances will get bad if you dont start winning trophies quickly.

Im starting to think about starting a new save with town, never kept a long term save going with them.

Do it and if you do keep me updated on how you do?

The monthly payments are dodgy one. It is only one player though so im going to be careful and try not to use it anymore until the Hughes deal is finished.

 

[Harris4Ips]

reckon they will beat Brighton tonight IRL? I have them on my bet!

Away to Brighton is a tricky one. They havnt been great this year though so id like to think we can ****** a win? A draw would acceptable i think? I never bet on Ipswich on anymore. Maybe thats why we are doing so well this year haha.

What do you think of our chances of going up? Got a good feeling about it this year. Team look solid, and they are all playing for eachother!

 

[Tracz]

Away to Brighton is a tricky one. They havnt been great this year though so id like to think we can ****** a win? A draw would acceptable i think? I never bet on Ipswich on anymore. Maybe thats why we are doing so well this year haha.

What do you think of our chances of going up? Got a good feeling about it this year. Team look solid, and they are all playing for eachother!

I think we stand a good chance today, its an opportunity to set down a marker and batter a decent team. Would put alot of pressure on the other teams,
As a season as a whole i think we should finish top 4 at the least, to drop away after this long would be horrible.
Was talking to a mate at work and we both think that we currently have 4 1st team strikers that can score goals (hopefully sears continues in the form of his 1st game) cant remember this happening for along time.
And of we manage to add sharp i would like to think we can get top 2! Would also show a sign on intent/ambition from ME, as sharps wages wont come cheap i dnt think. Also feel paddy kenny is a very srewd signing. I know he may not get much game time but experience to help bart/gerk. also added pressure to perfume. Would be nice to add a solid rb then i think squad would be enough to keep up the hard work we've put in so far.

 

[PaperClipFMer]

Some good business there, especially with Will Hughes!
Some winable fixtures after the difficult first 2! I always find it really important to get points on the board early

 

[Harris4Ips]

I think we stand a good chance today, its an opportunity to set down a marker and batter a decent team. Would put alot of pressure on the other teams,
As a season as a whole i think we should finish top 4 at the least, to drop away after this long would be horrible.
Was talking to a mate at work and we both think that we currently have 4 1st team strikers that can score goals (hopefully sears continues in the form of his 1st game) cant remember this happening for along time.
And of we manage to add sharp i would like to think we can get top 2! Would also show a sign on intent/ambition from ME, as sharps wages wont come cheap i dnt think. Also feel paddy kenny is a very srewd signing. I know he may not get much game time but experience to help bart/gerk. also added pressure to perfume. Would be nice to add a solid rb then i think squad would be enough to keep up the hard work we've put in so far.

Totally agree.
Playoffs has got to be a cert now. There shouldnt be too much pressure from the fans because realistically we never expected to be challenging like this.
I think a few cheeky signings to add a little depth would be good for us and definitely keep us up that end of the table.
Freddie Sears is a decent buy. A West Ham fans i know said it was a good signing for us he was always highly thought of at WHU.

Murphy and McGoldrick have been amazing this year. McGoldrick perhaps couldve scored a few more goals than he has. But hes still performing really well regardless of the lack of goals. Murph has been brilliant.
Mings has done superb this year. I thought he would turn good after seeing him in the first couple of games. Balint Bajner im disappointed with. When he joined us i youtubed him, and he has scored some worldys!

 

[Harris4Ips]

Some good business there, especially with Will Hughes!
Some winable fixtures after the difficult first 2! I always find it really important to get points on the board early

Thanks! Hoping he really does make a difference as we make this step up!
Getting points on the board early definitely does help. Maybe a shock point or two against Liverpool or Arsenal could really set me up for the rest of the season. Still feel i need a little more in terms of depth.
At some points last season when i had to rotate we dropped some silly points. So we'l definitely get caught out rotating this year.

 

[Harris4Ips]

Was wondering if i could get a little advice on how to run my screenshots this season?

I felt last year it was a little too much screenshotting every game. Wondering whether it would be better to do just some key games this season but add more depth to write ups on each game?

I dont want people to come on this thread and think theres too much detail to go through to catch up to date with it??

Thoughts guys would be awesome

 

[Harris4Ips]

IPSWICH TOWNS RETURN TO THE PREMIERSHIP - WEEK 1 VS LIVERPOOL @ ANFIELD.

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Nothing to add really from what ive already told you about. The loan signing of Jason Denayer should prove to be a decent signing. He adds depth to our squad and isnt far off being a first team starter. If Luke Chambers wasnt my captain, Denayer would have started!

Hunt and Hammond have been released. Hewitt has been loaned out to Oldham where ive requested he is played at RM as part of his development to turn him into a new RM - WM ( A )
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Had a few people retire at the end of the season. So i had some space to recruit some new staff. Each one of these staff members will add alot of ability and class to our training sessions.
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I ended up cancelling the last friendly as after the Leverkusen game, all the players i needed to be fit. Had reached full fitness. The games against Antwerp and Wanderers i left my ***.manager in charge. He picked the teams based on the guidelines of all players available and the lacking match fitness as the most he can pick.
Alex Rowland popped up to score 2 goals. Interesting, so i may keep an eye on his progress.
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Only 1 change to my starting 11 who i had available to me last season, which is Danny Batth in the middle of the 3 cb's.
Will Hughes to start on the bench as Wilson was decent for me last season. Thought it was only fair to make Hughes earn his place off the bench. Even though he will definitely be my main RM within a few weeks or months.
Jason Denayer also starts on the bench. Looks a decent prospect and i have the option of buying him outright for £1.2m as part of the loan deal.
Ben Watson is on the bench too after signing on for a small sum at the end of last season.

The odds are more than favourable towards Liverpool. Im not expecting wonders from us here. Maybe to ****** a point would be decent, but i dont think we'l win. No chance.
Liverpool have a strong starting XI, the pace of Sturridge, Ballotelli and Sterling could be their biggest threat.
They have a packed midfield in the middle. This doesnt concern me too much as all of my strikers drop back as part of their FALSE NINE (S) roles.

Out wide is perhaps where i could make an impact. Grealish had a wicked year last season so im expecting him to push on this season. Wilson also had a decent season. With Will Hughes waiting in the wings too, im expecting to make an impression out wide.



Ipswich fans have waited a long agonizing 14 years for this day to return. Premiership football!!

Ipswich fans are known to be very good for travelling to away games. They nearly always sell out their share of the tickets. It is no different here today at Anfield as the away end is packed!

Last time Ipswich visited Anfield it ended 5-0 to Liverpool. It was the last game of the 2001/02 season, where Ipswich inevitably were relegated back down to The Championship.
This shouldnt play too much of a part in todays game.

So, here we go, the referees now about to start the game. The 2015/16 Premier league is about to kick off......




1st minute - Ipswich kick off as they attack the Kop end. Batth plays the long ball towards McGoldrick, but he didnt anticipate it and Mignolet collects safely.

2nd minute - Liverpool back up the other end as they look for an early lead. A cross was deflected out for a corner. Corner taken and aimed towards the lofty Shawcross, GOALLLLLLLLL.
Ryan Shawcross gives Liverpool an early lead and Ipswich will be disappointed to have not dealt with the corner better.

LIVERPOOL 1 - 0 IPSWICH

10th minute - Liverpool attack Ipswich again, Sterling with the ball on the edge of the box passes to the eagerly waiting Ballotelli who smashes towards Dean Gerkin....
GOALLLLLLLLLL.
Nobody closed down Mario Ballotelli, at this level, you cant afford to give players of that quality that much time.
Things arent going too well for Ipswich so far. George Burley doesnt look happy in the dugout!

LIVERPOOL 2 - 0 IPSWICH

15th minute - Ipswich have shared the possession with Liverpool so far, but every time they get inside the Liverpool half they waste possession with a misplaced pass.
An exchange of passes between Wilson and McGoldrick on the right before a long ball played up to Murphy sees the ball headed down into Bonazzoli's feet. The young Italian gets his head and slots a through ball for the onrushing Grealish. One-on-one with Mignolet....
GOALLLLLLLLL
Jack Grealish pulls a goal back for the Tractor boys. Can Ipswich build on that good bit of football??

LIVERPOOL 2 - 1 IPSWICH

20th minute - A through ball down the right from McGoldrick sees Hyam with a chance on goal from 10 yards out.....
JUST WIDE.
Hyam will be wondering how hes missed that. The youngster has got to keep his composure and make sure he makes up for that opportunity next time.
Score remains 2-1 Liverpool.

HALF TIME
Not much more has happened since that miss from Hyam. Ipswich seemed to have overcome to early game nerves and are now giving Liverpool a run for their money.
Will Hughes hasnt stayed out on the pitch to warm up with the rest of the substitutes. Could there be a change coming up by George Burley?....

Half time score

Liverpool 2
Shawcross '1
Ballotelli '10
Ipswich Town 1
Grealish '15



Out come the two sides, and it appears as though theres been no changes made by either team just yet. But Will Hughes seems to be warming up along the touchline.

61st minute - Ipswich sub, as their new record signing Will Hughes is welcomed onto the pitch by travelling blue army. Lawrie Wilson who hasnt played very well is coming off and he doesnt look happy with himself. He knows the competition is hotting up on that side of the pitch.

70th minute - Ballotelli and Sterling have both missed clear cut chances in the second half. Brendan Rodgers is looking frustrated in the dugout as Ipswich are holding out at the moment. Can the Blues ****** a priceless away point on opening day!

88th minute - Paul Taylor and Frank Nouble come on for David McGoldrick and Federico Bonazzoli.


92nd minute - Liverpool have time for last attack. The Ipswich defence stay strong and clear their lines.
Ball falls to Nouble, he has a bit of space...can he create anything here for Ipswich. A late equaliser now for Ipswich would surely send their fans into dreamland....
Nouble plays wide to Grealish, Grealish is closed down quickly and the ball is cleared.

Final Whistle blows.

Liverpool have made it hard for themselves here today for not taking all of their chances. Ipswich can go home proud of their efforts though. Im sure Burley will say they didnt play as well as he knows they can. But they did have a few spells in the game where they looked to be creeping back into it.
A final scoreline of 2 - 1 is one to be proud of for the newly promoted side.


Full time score


Liverpool 2
Shawcross '1
Ballotelli '10
Ipswich Town 1
Grealish '15


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[Harris4Ips]

WEEK 2 VS ARSENAL @ PORTMAN ROAD

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Moving on from the 2-1 defeat at Anfield, we now have Arsenal coming to Portman Road for the 2nd game of the season. Their first home crowd and they are expecting a full house.

I really really thought about changing to zero seas 4411 tactic for this game. Following the defeat against Liverpool. I was thinking of maybe utilizing that formation against the "bigger sides" as i have flat back 4. But i thought id stay loyal to this tactic as its worked well so far.

If Arsenal dominate like Liverpool did then i may decide to test the 4411 in the next big match up.

My assistant manager feels Denayer should be starting instead of Chambers. But im not having any of it. This is my back 3 for the season. Unless Chambers has an absolute nightmare and Denayer impresses. I will not be dropping my captain.....

Will Hughes starts against Arsenal. I wanted to ease him in off the bench for a few weeks. But after Wilsons shaky start last week and only receiving a 6.4 rating. Ive decided to start my record signing!

Surprisingly the odds have been good to us. Although Arsenal are as expected, favorites. The difference in odds isn't much at all.




Here we are Portman Road and Ipswich play their first home game of the season against the 2nd "top 4" side in their first two games. Ipswich wernt great at Anfield last week. However, they held on and managed to come away with only a 2-1 defeat. Which, for a newly promoted side is extremely admirable.
George Burley has made one change to his starting XI this week with new record signing Will Hughes starting in place Lawrie Wilson, who looked out of his depth last week.

The Tractor boys again wont be expecting much from this game, but to sneak a point or 3 would really kick start their season and give these lads a big boost. 10 of the 11 players starting tonight for Ipswich were all regulars in the promotion campaign last year. So its a big step up for all the players.

Arsenal, their side hasnt changed much from last season. £21.5m Mateo Kovacic and £13.75m Xherdan Shaqiri keep their place in Arsenals starting XI today despite losing 1 - 0 to Swansea last week on the opening days early kick off at The Emirates.
Gibbs, Chambers and Walcott all return to the team in place of £11.75m Faouzi Ghoulam, Matthieu Debuchy & Lucas Podolski.
Arsenal will be looking to make up for last weeks defeat so their strongest side available has been selected.
Arsene Wenger will be hoping they can dispose of this newly promoted Ipswich side, but they will have to be on their guard as Ipswich still pose a threat on the counter attack.


Bobby Madley is in charge of today's game. The players are out on the pitch ready, Madley pulls his whistle to his mouth and off we go ....

Ipswich kick off, attacking the Sir Bobby Robson stand.
1st minute - A decent through ball down the left by Bonazzoli sees Grealish with an early chance....he scuffs it wide. Arsenal failed to close down Collison, Murphy and McGoldrick before Bonazzoli played a clever ball through. An early warning for Arsenal.

36th minute - Ipswich are surprisingly dominating proceedings here at Portman road. A long ball over the top of the Arsenal defence by Murphy finds McGoldrick one-on-one with Szczesny.....HITS THE POST. David McGoldrick will be gutted at missing such a brilliant chance. He will hope that doesn't prove costly for the blues here.

44th minute - Some good team play by Hughes, Collison, Hyam, Murphy and McGoldrick sees McGoldrick through on goal.......HITS THE POST and goes out wide for a goal kick.
McGoldrick hits the post AGAIN for Ipswich. George Burley has been very animated on the sidelines so far. Him and his assistant Terry O'Connor have their heads in their hands as they are in disbelief about whats happening out here so far.

46th minute - Bobby Madley blows for half time.

HALF TIME

Ipswich 0

Arsenal 0

Not too much action to report on so far. Ipswich have hit the post twice through McGoldrick.
Ipswich have had 10 shots to Arsenals 1 and also just narrowly lead with possession.
Most certainly an encouraging first half from Burleys men. He will want them to come back out and pick up where they left off!

SECOND HALF

Out come the players for the second half here at Portman Road, no changes by either manager as yet.
51st minute - A one-two between McGoldrick and Collison and Collison has a shot fly high and wide of the right hand post.

Some positive football being played by Ipswich at the moment. Every time Arsenal get near their box, straight away they close down and win back possession. Encouraging stuff.

56th minute - A ball played through the middle to Welbeck catches out the midfield with the defence high up the pitch. Batth is forced to try make a tackle from behind. A cynical foul sees Bobby Madley show Danny Batth a straight red card. An early bath for Batth, as the new signing walks off the pitch furiously.
All Ipswich's hardwork could be undone now, a positive start has left George Burleys men looking like they could ****** a 1-0 win. Now Burley will have to tinker about.

57th minute - The red card for Batth means McGoldrick will be sacrificed as Burley brings on young loan signing from Man City Jason Denayer. This sub will keep Ipswich's shape at the back, but be a man short upfront. Daryl Murphy and Federico Bonazzoli have it all to do now.
Arsenal take the freekick, but nothing comes of it. Wasted.

74th minute - Will Hughes has been switched to CM, with Jack Collison making way for Lawrie Wilson. Last seasons top scorer Daryl Murphy comes off for Paul Taylor.

76th minute - Lawrie Wilson wins the ball back deep inside his own half before playing long ball across field to Jack Grealish. Grealish comes inside to find Bonazzoli. A couple of neat step overs before passing to Hughes, Hughes and Wilson play a one-two before Hughes puts Taylor through on goal.......
SAVED, Szczesny parries wide. Ipswich corner!

77th minute - A short corner by Bonazzoli to Wilson is wasted as Arsenal win back the ball and clear up field.

81st minute - Load whistles echo around Portman Road as the Ipswich fans sarcastically urge the referee to blow up. Szczesny with the goal kick, finds Gibbs who plays a defence splitting ball over the top to Lorenzo Insigne!....one-on-one.....
PENALTY!!!
Berra tackles from behind taking down Insigne. No option but for Madley but to point to the spot. What will Berra get here?......Bobby Madley just warns Berra on this occasion.
Yarmolenko to step up......GOALLLLLLLLL.
Dean Gerkin stands no chance whatsoever as Arsenal take an undeserved lead. Ipswich will be gutted after the game they have had.
8 minutes of normal time left.
Burley and O'Connor are up out of their seats urging the boys to get forward! Wilson, Hughes and Grealish have all been pushed into att mid roles as Ipswich go attacking in search of a late equalizer to salvage a point after such a memorable performance.

91st minute - Wilson takes the ball out of the Ipswich half, he finds Hughes to his left who passes up to Taylor. Taylor cushions back down to Wilson. WILSON SLOTS THROUGH FOR BONAZZOLI...ONE-ON-ONE.......SAVEDDDDDDDD. Szczesny parries again to keep Ipswich at bay.
Another corner for Ipswich and youve got to feel this really is their last chance as they get half way through stoppage time.
92nd minute - Bonazzoli with the corner, short again to Grealish...Grealish turns Chambers inside out...he has options in the middle for a cross.......GREALISH ATTEMPTS A CHIP TO THE FAR POST......
OVER.
Ipswich waste yet another golden opportunity in this game.

93rd minute - Arsenal clear their lines, ball goes long to Denayer. Denayer pumps the ball forward...nobody there...the referee blows for full time!

Arsenal leave Portman Road with all 3 points. Ipswich will feel hugely aggrieved after that. They've had the most chances but simply were not clinical enough. McGoldrick has got to start taking his chances if Ipswich are to survive this season. A positive start however against two of the top 4 sides in the league. Burley will feel relieved to come out of these games with only a -2 goal difference. Despite missing glorious chances, Ipswich can take enthusiasm from their performances over the last 2 weeks!

Next up for Ipswich, Brighton in the 2nd of the Carling cup. Then away to fellow newcomers Forest.

FULL TIME

Ipswich 0

Arsenal 1
Yarmolenko pen '82

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