Chelsea suffered a setback in the race for Champions League spots after managing only a 2-2 draw against relegation-bound Ipswich Town on Sunday.
Enzo Maresca warned his side before the game that Ipswich would want to show themselves, and he was right.
In the early minutes of the game though, it seemed as if his squad had got the memo. Chelsea began the match positively, dominating possession and creating some early chances. Nicolas Jackson struck the post, although he really should have scored, and Enzo Fernandez saw an effort sail wide.
However, despite the Blues starting on the front foot, it would be their opponents Ipswich who would go in front in the 19th minute when Julio Enciso converted a low cross from Ben Johnson. Twelve minutes later, the Tractor Boys made it 2-0 when Enciso turned provider for Johnson with a cross from the left, and the full back headed home.
Enzo Maresca’s half-time team talk must have invigorated Chelsea, though, because only 18 seconds into the restart the home side had halved the lead. The Blues continued to press and in the 79th minute, Jadon Sancho – who was on for Noni Madueke – picked the ball up at the edge of the penalty area and curled a delicious shot into the top corner.
The home side tried to find a winner, going close in stoppage time, but Ipswich stood strong. The draw leaves Chelsea in fifth place, level on points with seventh-placed Aston Villa.
