Fulham were held to a 2-2 draw by Ipswich Town in an exciting match full of drama and penalties at Craven Cottage. The result left both teams sharing the points after a topsy-turvy encounter.
Jimenez’s Heroics
Raul Jimenez was the hero for Fulham, scoring two penalties to earn his team a valuable point. The Mexican striker converted from the spot in the 69th and 90+1st minutes. His second goal, a cool finish in stoppage time, was the final twist in a game that saw both sides fight hard for the win.
Ipswich Take the Lead
The match was full of ups and downs. Ipswich took the lead in the first half, with Sammie Szmodics finding the net in the 38th minute. Fulham had dominated possession up until that point but were caught off guard by a quick Ipswich counterattack. The Tractor Boys’ first real chance of the match resulted in a goal after a scramble in the box. Szmodics pounced on a loose ball, and Fulham were left stunned.
Fulham Fight Back
Despite the early setback, Fulham kept pushing forward. In the second half, they were awarded a penalty in the 69th minute when Harry Wilson was brought down in the box. Jimenez stepped up and calmly converted to level the score at 1-1.
Ipswich Respond Immediately
But Ipswich responded almost immediately. Just two minutes later, Fulham’s Timothy Castagne fouled Liam Delap inside the penalty area. Delap took the penalty himself, sending Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno the wrong way and restoring Ipswich’s lead.
Close Calls and Late Drama
The drama didn’t end there. Ipswich came close to adding a third goal when substitute Jack Clarke’s shot hit the post. However, Fulham continued to press for an equaliser, and their persistence paid off in the dying moments.
Jimenez’s Last-Minute Penalty
In the final minute of stoppage time, Jimenez won a penalty after being fouled by Ipswich defender Leif Davis. The striker stood tall and delivered a perfect shot into the top corner of the net, securing a dramatic 2-2 draw for Fulham.
Silva’s Frustration
Marco Silva, Fulham’s manager, was left frustrated by the match’s events. He expressed his disbelief at the series of decisions made by the officials, particularly the red-card reprieve that Ipswich defender Leif Davis received after a VAR review. Silva found it “hard to explain” how Davis escaped a more severe punishment after bringing down Wilson on a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
Fulham’s Domination but Missed Chances
Throughout the game, Fulham dominated possession but struggled to convert their chances into goals. Their best opportunity came early in the first half when Calvin Bassey, playing further forward, crossed the ball to Jimenez. The striker’s header from close range was saved comfortably by Ipswich goalkeeper Christian Walton.
Ipswich’s Counterattack Success
Fulham continued to probe, and it seemed as if a breakthrough was coming. However, it was Ipswich who struck first, against the run of play. Their counterattack caught Fulham off guard, and the visitors took full advantage of their chance.
Fulham’s Resilience
Despite being behind twice, Fulham showed character and resilience. Jimenez’s first penalty was a crucial equaliser, and his second was a deserved reward for the team’s never-say-die attitude. The Mexican striker’s eight goals in the Premier League this season have made him a key player for Fulham.
Final Thoughts
In the end, Fulham’s attacking play, combined with Ipswich’s resilience, made for an entertaining match full of drama. Both teams will be disappointed not to have secured all three points, but they will take positives from their performances.
For Fulham, it was a night of frustration mixed with relief. Marco Silva will know his side could have won, but they also showed the grit to fight back. Ipswich, on the other hand, will feel they did enough to win the match but will take pride in holding a Premier League team to a draw.
Bet with Bangbet
Bangbet News will continue to bring you the latest football news, betting tips, and match reports. Don’t miss out on placing your bets on future matches with Bangbet—the platform with the best odds and exciting offers.