Ipswich Town’s Fight for Survival Continues Under McKenna
Unlike Southampton and Wolves, Ipswich Town has stood firm behind Kieran McKenna as he works to guide the team through a grueling relegation battle. The Tractor Boys recently dealt a devastating blow to Wolves’ season, with Jack Taylor’s dramatic late header securing a vital win and ultimately sealing Gary O’Neil’s fate as Wolves’ manager.
The midfield was instrumental in this victory. Jens Cajuste, in just his seventh Premier League start, delivered a standout performance in a holding role. The Napoli loanee misplaced only two of his 32 passes, won eight duels, and completed three tackles, showcasing the grit McKenna needs to protect the backline. Alongside Cajuste, Conor Chaplin and Omari Hutchinson impressed in attack, with Hutchinson troubling Wolves’ defense with four successful dribbles.
🍿#WOLIPS pic.twitter.com/WjWSM1OMbS
— IPSWICH TOWN (@IpswichTown) December 14, 2024
Late-game hero Jack Clarke also played a pivotal role, delivering the pinpoint corner that led to Taylor’s decisive goal.
Kalvin Phillips’ Struggles at Ipswich
While many players thrived in the Wolves victory, Kalvin Phillips was an exception. The former Leeds United star remained on the bench, continuing a difficult spell on loan at Ipswich. After a red card against Leicester in early November and subsequent injury struggles, Phillips hasn’t played a minute in Ipswich’s last five matches.
His absence hasn’t hurt Ipswich, thanks to the stellar form of Cajuste and Sam Morsy. This raises questions about whether bringing in Phillips was a wise move. Despite McKenna’s optimism when signing him on loan in August, Phillips has yet to recapture the form that once made him a star at Leeds and earned him a £45 million transfer to Manchester City.
Disappointing Numbers for the England International
Phillips’ seven Premier League appearances for Ipswich this season have yielded underwhelming results—no goals or assists, though his defensive contributions (5 ball recoveries and 5.1 duels won per 90 minutes) offer a glimmer of hope.
At a reported £150k-per-week wage, Phillips must quickly prove his worth or risk having his loan spell cut short.
🙌 #Euro2020 seeing what #LUFC fans have been enjoying all along! Kalvin Phillips take a bow! pic.twitter.com/dufLLcuba7
— Leeds United (@LUFC) June 13, 2021
The 29-year-old recently admitted to losing the “fire in his belly” after his move to Man City. With whispers of a potential return to Leeds in January, the winter transfer window could provide the perfect chance for both Ipswich and Phillips to move on.
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