Andy Warren hands out his player grades following Ipswich Town’s 1-1 draw with Brentford at Portman Road.
Rating scale: 10 – world class display; 9- outstanding; 8- very good; 7 – good; 6 – decent; 5 – average; 4 – below average; 3 – poor; 2 – very poor; 1 – awful
Dean Gerken
Another good performance from the Ipswich Town goalkeeper on his third outing of the season. Made one decent save in the first period before doing well to keep Ollie Watkins’ effort out in the second, which proved vital. Punched well in general, although did get caught in traffic on a couple of occasions. The shirt is his. 7
Jordan Spence
Another poor display from the defender, who was as guilty as anyone for continually losing possession in the first half, while he struggled to get forward. Replaced at the break and didn’t get the chance to redeem himself like the rest of his team-mates. 4
Matthew Pennington
The pick of the defensive line in this one, even when things were going wrong in the opening period. Has a calmness on the ball and is never quick to panic, while he is also ready to put his foot or head through the ball if needed. Another impressive display. 7
Luke Chambers
The Ipswich players spent much longer than usual in their pre-match huddle, where you would think Chambers took the floor to tell his players of the importance of the occasion. Was guilty of losing the ball in the first half on a few occasions, like many of his team-mates, but recovered well in the second. In particular a superb piece of defending to keep Judge from running through on goal played a vital part in securing a draw. 6
Jonas Knudsen
Spent the first half playing on the left of the back three, before playing at his usual left back spot in the second. Looked much more comfortable in the latter, getting forward more once he was partnered with Gwion Edwards on the left flank. 6
Janoi Donacien
Back in the team but deployed at left wing back, where he was bypassed time and again by neat Brentford triangles in the first half. Was back at right back in the second period, where he looked much more comfortable. 6
Trevoh Chalobah
A mixed evening for the Chelsea loanee who is clearly very comfortable on the ball, possesses a good range of passing but can often be caught in possession or turn into trouble. All of that was on display in the first half, before he tidied things up in the second. A superb cross for the goal. 6
Cole Skuse
Another who found the pace of precision of Brentford difficult in the first half but became more and more involved in the second. He got forward more often than we have seen in recent weeks but still lacks a final product at times. 6
Grant Ward
Without a doubt the pick of the bunch for Ipswich in the first period and a strong performance in the second, too. Had more of a free role in the opening period but was out on the right on the right in the second. Neat touches, a desire to run at his man and a confidence we have not see for a while. Should start again at the weekend. 8
Kayden Jackson
A first Championship goal will do the signing from Accrington the world of good. He was a threat throughout this contest, getting his reward with a superbly-placed header on 73 minutes. He could have scored earlier in the second half but his overhead kick came back off the bar, while he also had a chance to win it late on but fired wide. He didn’t give the Brentford defence a moment to rest, though, with the striker’s running being used well by his team-mates. Promising. 8
Ellis Harrison
Starved of minutes on the field recently and struggled to get into this game as Ipswich found it hard to keep possession. Did start to connect with Jackson late in the first half, though before perhaps harshly being replaced at the break. 5
Jon Nolan (for Harrison, 46)
Introduced at the break and a much better display from the midfielder following a disappointing one at Hull. Operated higher up the pitch than in recent weeks and connected play well. 7
Gwion Edwards (for Spence, 46)
Dropped to the bench for this one but made a real impact after coming on. First touch is positive whenever he gets the ball and he’s strong in possession. Won two good balls in the air, too. 7
Flynn Downes (for Chalobah, 83)
Came on and helped sure things up as legs got tired in midfield. Played a nice through ball for Jackson to run onto – sadly he couldn’t finish. 6
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