adminJack Clarke struck in the 90th minute to hand newly promoted Ipswich Town a dramatic 2-1 victory over his former club Sunderland on the opening day of the Premier League season.
The result marked the beginning of a new era at Portman Road, with Gary O’Neil taking charge of Ipswich in a competitive fixture for the first time since replacing long-serving manager Kieran McKenna in June. Six players also made their full debuts for the hosts.
Ipswich endured a busy summer transfer window, bringing in 12 new players as they look to establish themselves in the Premier League. Their opening-day opponents Sunderland know exactly what that challenge looks like after securing a seventh-place finish during their first campaign back in the top flight in 2025-26.
The match appeared destined to end in a draw after Nilson Angulo’s stunning free-kick cancelled out Emersonn’s opener. However, Clarke had the final say, capitalising on a late Sunderland mistake to curl the ball into the bottom corner and send Portman Road into wild celebrations.
Sunderland threatened early when Trai Hume was given space to find Brian Brobbey, but Leif Davis recovered brilliantly to make an important block.
Ipswich then settled into the contest after a nervy moment from debutant goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen.
Emersonn had already tested Robin Roefs with an early header before opening the scoring in the 24th minute. Much of the credit, however, belonged to Julio Enciso.
The former Brighton forward, who impressed during a six-month loan spell at Ipswich last season, intercepted Luke O’Nien’s pass before driving forward, beating O’Nien and Dan Ballard and eventually setting up Emersonn to slide the ball home.
Scherpen produced an excellent save to deny Noah Sadiki’s header as Sunderland searched for an immediate response. Emersonn then created another opportunity for Enciso, but the forward lifted his effort over the bar.
Ipswich were pegged back just before half-time when Granit Xhaka won a free-kick on the edge of the box. Angulo stepped up and produced a superb strike that went over the wall, clipped the crossbar and found the net.
The equaliser ensured the teams went into the interval level at 1-1.
Ipswich returned from the break with greater attacking intent, with Abdul Fatawu twice coming close to creating a second goal. His first cross narrowly evaded Daizen Maeda, while another dangerous delivery was flicked just wide by Enciso.
Marcelino Nunez later made an important intervention to stop Brobbey before Enciso embarked on another impressive run, although Emersonn was unable to pick out Maeda with the resulting cross.
Both managers made changes as they searched for a winning goal, and it was Ipswich substitute Clarke who delivered the decisive moment.
A loose pass from Sunderland substitute Omar Alderete allowed Sasa Lukic to feed Clarke. The former Sunderland winger cut inside before firing beyond Roefs in the 90th minute to secure three points for Ipswich.
The victory gave Ipswich only their second Premier League home win in 24 years and ensured O’Neil’s competitive reign began with a memorable triumph.
Le Bris Frustrated by Late Sunderland Collapse
Sunderland boss Régis Le Bris was left bitterly disappointed after his side surrendered a valuable point in the final moments at Portman Road.
The Black Cats had recovered from going behind and appeared on course to earn a draw after Angulo’s equaliser, only for a late defensive error to prove decisive.
The mistake allowed Clarke, a former Sunderland player, to punish his old side with a last-gasp winner.
Le Bris will now be demanding a response from his players, particularly in terms of concentration and defensive discipline, as Sunderland prepare for their next Premier League challenge.
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