Flemming’s Late Goal Seals Ipswich’s 3-2 Comeback Win at Crystal Palace

Substitute Flemming struck in the 90th minute as Ipswich Town completed a dramatic 3-2 Premier League win at Crystal Palace, sealing the Tractor Boys’ first top-flight comeback victory since December 2001.

The late finish decided a match that had swung repeatedly at Selhurst Park. Palace went ahead early through Anan Khalaili, only for Emersonn to level with a header for Ipswich. The home side’s task then became far harder when Disasi was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Jack Clarke.

Ipswich took advantage before the interval as Davis headed them in front on the edge of half-time. Palace, despite being reduced to 10 men, found a route back after the break when Strand Larsen made it 2-2 for the Eagles. They also passed up an opportunity to move ahead again before Flemming delivered the decisive blow at the death.

The result lifts Ipswich to eighth place after four matches, with six points on the board. Manager Gary O’Neil hailed the response from his newly-promoted side, saying: “I’m pleased for the players and the fanbase. It is tough to win away from home in the Premier League as a newly-promoted side. We’ve done it after the second away game of the season.”

O’Neil added that Ipswich showed “fantastic character” and scored “three good goals”, while stressing there remains work to do despite the encouraging display. “We look like a threat,” he said. “There are plenty of positives. There is lots we need to improve, but in terms of character, there were some big pluses.”

Palace face quick turnaround

Palace manager Sage felt his players merited at least a point after reorganising following Disasi’s dismissal. “It’s difficult when you play 10 v 11, but I think we did well with that because we reorganised into a 5-3-1 and didn’t allow them too much space,” he said.

He pointed to the concession before the break as a costly error, but praised Palace for recovering and creating a chance to make it 3-2. “I am frustrated for the players because they gave a lot and deserved at least a point,” Sage added.

Next, Palace host Lech Poznan in the Europa League on Thursday, September 17, as they look to end their poor home run. Disasi can play in Europe before beginning his domestic suspension. Ipswich return to action on Tuesday when Arsenal visit for a Carabao Cup third-round tie.