Zian Flemming scored a late winner as Ipswich Town secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over 10-man Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, earning their first Premier League win over the Eagles in seven meetings.
Palace made a lively start and were handed an early opportunity when Ipswich goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen’s misplaced pass went straight to Adam Wharton. However, the midfielder failed to take advantage, returning possession to the visitors.
The hosts eventually broke the deadlock in the 14th minute. Anan Khalaili collected Daichi Kamada’s pass before seeing his effort take a deflection off Leif Davis and fly beyond Scherpen. The goal was Khalaili’s first for Palace.
Ipswich responded quickly, drawing level nine minutes later. Davis delivered an inviting cross into the area, and Emersonn was left unmarked to head beyond Walter Benítez.
The game then turned dramatically in Ipswich’s favour when Palace were reduced to 10 men in the 34th minute. Axel Disasi was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Jack Clarke.
The visitors capitalised before half-time. Emersonn headed Dara O’Shea’s cross towards Davis, who nodded the ball beyond the stranded Benítez to complete Ipswich’s comeback and give them a 2-1 lead at the break.
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Ipswich continued to threaten after the restart, with Emersonn going close again after beating two defenders before firing wide. Clarke also tested Benítez, who kept out an effort aimed towards his near post.
The visitors were dealt a blow when Emersonn was forced off with an injury shortly after the hour mark, while Palace began to increase the pressure despite their numerical disadvantage.
Quinten Timber had two opportunities to bring the hosts level, but he missed the target with the first before Scherpen denied him with a good save from the second.
Palace eventually found an equaliser with 15 minutes remaining. Jørgen Strand Larsen held off Issa Diop before unleashing a superb strike across Scherpen and into the bottom corner.
The Eagles then had a chance to complete the turnaround when Scherpen failed to deal with Will Hughes’ cross, but Khalaili could only blaze his effort over the bar.
Ipswich refused to settle for a point, however, and grabbed the winner late on. Davis’ header struck the crossbar before substitute Zian Flemming reacted quickest to turn the rebound into the net.
The victory gives Ipswich their second league win of the season and provides a strong response to recent defeats against Manchester United and Liverpool. For Palace, the defeat ends their three-match unbeaten run and leaves them frustrated after failing to capitalise on their second-half pressure despite being a man down.
