Iliman Ndiaye and Michael Keane shine as Everton clinches a crucial 2-0 win. Read about the match details, standout moments, and player contributions.
Introduction:
Everton continued their endeavors in Premier League to extend their unbeaten run to four games with a comfortable 2-0 win over Ipswich Town at Portman Road. Goals from Iliman Ndiaye and Michael Keane had ensured that Sean Dyche’s side carried off their second win for the season, sending Ipswich to the abyss of not winning any game in the 2024/25 season. With a robust first half display complemented by a defensive resilience, the newly promoted side was overwhelmed by Everton.
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First-Half Dominance by Everton
Everton were in no mood to look lethargic coming off the international break and the match was going on for an unexpected 15-minute delay with IT issues at Portman Road but Everton quickly found their rhythm once the game commenced.
And it took just 17 minutes for that to happen. A defensive error by Wes Burns led the attack and opened for Iliman Ndiaye, Everton’s attacking midfielder. Cross by Jack Harrison into the box wasn’t dealt with properly; the next thing that happened was a clinical finish by Ndiaye as he gave the Toffees the lead.
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Things would only get worse for Ipswich just before halftime as Michael Keane scored for Everton five minutes to the end of the half. A movement by Dwight McNeil led him to deliver a solid assist on the right flank where he found Keane at a very tight angle where he took the shot and made sure he adds the second for Everton before the halftime interval. Frustration mounted for Ipswich as they were awarded a penalty kick, which was overturned after a VAR review.
Ipswich Struggle in the Second Half
Ipswich came out the stronger team in the second half, but they did not turn out to be troublesome enough to actually trouble the Everton defense. For the most part, it was a quiet evening for Jordan Pickford in the Everton goal, and a near-end-on effort from Conor Chaplin was one of the few chances his end has been tested with.
Everton almost scored a third, with a late good chance missed by Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Dyche’s team seemed very composed and in control as their defense remained solid on the day where Ipswich managed the odd attack here and there.
Iliman Ndiaye shines for Everton
Iliman Ndiaye is one from Everton who also remained a thorn in the flesh of the opposition for the second game running. As he netted in back-to-back away games, Ndiye is now becoming a fans favourite for Dyche’s side, skills on the ball, mazy dribbles, and clinical finishing making him a constant threat to the left flank of the opposing team.
However, what endears Ndiaye to Dyche’s system is the fact that he would always look like working off the ball. When Ipswich started up in the second half, Ndiaye dropped back so Everton’s defence could solidify the left and cover left-back Vitalii Mykolenko. Everton took the lead but had to defend it to win the game.
Everton Defends Its Lead to Seals Victory
While Ndiaye and Keane supplied the goals, Everton’s defense was proud to show much more. Ipswich did not have a shot on target until late, and the likes of James Tarkowski and Michael Keane quieted Ipswich striker Liam Delap throughout.
Delap, Ipswich’s principal attacking threat, was starved of service and really failed to make an impact, reflecting the defensive discipline instilled by Dyche in his Everton side. Pickford, though largely untested, remained alert to handle any danger, further contributing to Everton’s second consecutive clean sheet.
Ipswich’s Premier League Struggles Continue
Ipswich get a harsh reminder of life in the Premier League with defeat at Portman Road. They did, though, flash some quality, particularly in the second half, but another blank raises more questions. Their frustrations were compounded when the overturning of a penalty did not prove beneficial to Kieran McKenna’s side – who are still winless after two top-flight outings.
The entire Liam Delap was cut off by Tarkowski and Keane. He has netted four of Ipswich six top-flight goals this season, but Ipswich failed to get enough support for their sole big striker.
Conclusion
Everton, having thumped Ipswich 2-0, are gathering steam under Sean Dyche as the new manager continues his rejuvenation process with the team, who haven’t lost in four straight games now. Ndiaye and Keane scored for Everton while a resolute defense kept Ipswich under wraps for the hosts to gain momentum in the fight to rise up the table in Premier League. Ipswich urgently needs quick remedies as the side continues to falter to adapt to the demands of Premier League play.