Gary O’Neil had waited a long time for a result like this. The Millwall fan from Beckenham, whose son is part of Crystal Palace’s academy, had collected only one point from his previous five managerial visits to this corner of south London. His passionate reaction to Zian Flemming’s 90th-minute winner was therefore understandable, matching the excitement of the travelling Ipswich fans.
Palace struck first during a dramatic contest, but goals from Emersonn and Leif Davis overturned Anan Khalaili’s maiden Palace goal after Axel Disasi was dismissed. Jørgen Strand Larsen levelled the score with 15 minutes left, while Khalaili later wasted a clear opportunity in front of an open net. That miss proved costly when Flemming, the final arrival among Ipswich’s 14 summer signings during a record £190m spending spree for a promoted club, forced in the decisive goal after Davis sent a looping header against the crossbar.
Ipswich earned just 22 points during their Premier League campaign two seasons ago, but this squad appears much more capable of avoiding relegation. O’Neil said the location of a victory did not matter to him, adding that the past four months had been the finest period of his playing or coaching career. He praised his players for their commitment and insisted they would continue giving everything, even in defeat.
A clean sheet always seemed unlikely. Palace had not recorded one in the Premier League since April, while Ipswich had allowed 58 goals across 23 matches since their previous shutout in December 2024. Palace also felt the absence of injured captain Dean Henderson. Pierre Sage may reconsider his decision to leave out Jaydee Canvot, which he called a sporting choice prompted by dissatisfaction with the player’s efforts in training.
Although 18-year-old Honest Ahanor produced an encouraging debut, Walter Benítez made a costly error for Flemming’s winner. The defeat left Palace without a point from their first two home fixtures of a Premier League season for the first time since 2018, while no team in the division had conceded more goals.
Explaining Canvot’s absence from the squad, Sage said he expected more from the player and believed he was capable of delivering it. He added that personal authority was not his concern; his priority was ensuring every player reached their full level, and he would challenge anyone who fell short.
Ipswich, like Palace, had conceded eight times in their opening three games, and their defensive uncertainty was quickly apparent. Kjell Scherpen escaped punishment after sending a poor pass directly to Adam Wharton, but Palace’s temporary captain failed to connect properly with his effort despite having the goal at his mercy.
Three minutes later, the home side moved in front after Ipswich surrendered possession cheaply in midfield. Daichi Kamada supplied Khalaili, whose driven shot took a deflection off Davis before finding the net for his first Palace goal. Strand Larsen then missed an opportunity that could have left Ipswich facing a daunting deficit. Instead, O’Neil’s side responded when Davis delivered a cross for Emersonn to equalise. Palace’s defenders briefly hesitated, seemingly expecting the left-back to be ruled offside during the buildup.
Palace’s situation deteriorated when Disasi launched into a reckless tackle on Jack Clarke, catching him just beneath the knee with raised studs. Referee Chris Kavanagh was left with little choice and showed the defender a red card.
Sage reacted by removing Palace’s main creative threat, Yéremy Pino, and introducing defender Takehiro Tomiyasu. The change invited Ipswich to attack with greater confidence, although fortune played a major part in their second goal. Dara O’Shea’s delivery struck Emersonn on the shoulder and dropped perfectly for Davis, who headed in shortly before half-time.
Sage remained visibly dissatisfied as the teams returned for the second half. Palace’s 10 players nevertheless responded with determination, with Quinten Timber going close twice before Strand Larsen equalised. Kamada unlocked the defence with an intelligent pass, allowing the Norwegian forward to resist Issa Diop’s challenge and finish beyond Scherpen. Flemming ultimately settled the match after entering as a substitute, reacting faster than Benítez when Davis’s header rebounded off the woodwork and sparking celebrations among O’Neil, his players and the visiting supporters.
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