CHELSEA made it back-to-back losses as they slumped to an awful 2-0 defeat at Ipswich.
Enzo Maresca’s side went into the match hoping to bounce back from their 2-1 home loss to Fulham on Boxing Day.
But instead saw their title hopes take another massive dent after goals from Liam Delap and old-boy Omari Hutchinson.
On a night to forget for the Blues, SunSport’s Jordan Davies rates and slates each performer...
FILIP JORGENSEN – 6
His first bit of action was a clumsy trailing leg to catch Delap and give away a needless penalty.
Followed it up with a few decent stops to deny the forward anything else, but the damage was already done.
AXEL DISASI – 4
Offered very little until a fine pass early in the second half to put Madueke through.
But that was then overshadowed by a woeful piece of defending to give the hosts a second goal, first with a stray pass to Delap and then giving Hutchinson the freedom of Ipswich to slot home.
TOSIN ADARABIOYO – 5
Struggled to deal with Delap, physically and for pace. Looked terrified to press him. Lumbered about for most of the game.
LEVI COLWILL – 6
Looks so much better with a proper defensive partner, unlike here.
Not his best game, but not his worst.
MARC CUCURELLA – 5
Nervy clearance off Hutchinson almost gave Delap a second inside 15 minutes and caught out of position plenty when Ipswich countered.
Poor in attacking areas.
ENZO FERNANDEZ – 6
A real mixed bag.
Picked up some good pockets of space but out-muscled on occasion.
MOISES CAICEDO – 6
Blazed over a glorious chance from the edge of the box off his left peg.
Controlled the game well from deep at times.
NONI MADUEKE – 7
Involved in everything good with Chelsea, taking on defenders and unlucky not to grab a first half goal.
Linked up well with Palmer and Enzo.
COLE PALMER – 8
A joy to watch. His cleverly-disguised free-kick smacked the post and his cross for Joao Felix at the far post to score from was delightful, only to be called back for offside.
He was then denied a curling beauty by a worldie save. Did not deserve to be on the losing side. Best player on the pitch by a mile.
JOAO FELIX – 6
Perhaps a harsh one but should have stayed onside before tapping in Palmer’s brilliant cross to level the scores.
Had a header cleared off the line just after the break.
CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU – 5
An anonymous first half was followed up by more anonymity in the second before being hauled off just after the hour mark.
Feels like he has wasted a huge chance given to him by Maresca to prove he can be the difference maker.
SUBS
NICOLAS JACKSON (for Felix, 55) – 6
Missed a blatant one v one, spared blushes by a delayed offside flag.
JADON SANCHO – (for Nkunku, 65) – 6
Did very little, but the game was pretty much done by the time he came on.
MALO GUSTO (for Disasi, 77) – 6
Came on just so Disasi could make way, it seems. Made his presence known by getting into a late scrap with Davis.
PEDRO NETO (for Madueke, 77) – 5
Brought some zip, but let himself down by going down soft holding his face from a Kalvin Phillips ‘challenge’.
