We take a look at a few of the talking points emerging from Ipswich Town’s 1-1 draw against Birmingham at Portman Road.
Larsen Toure can play
The inclusion of the Guinean winger raised a few eyebrows before kick-off last night but, by the time the half-time whistle blew, a few of those brows would have been firmly back in place. He looked fitter, stronger and more creative than his brief cameos earlier in the season and appears to possess a wicked cross which is bound to prove fruitful at some point this season. He left to a standing ovation and even managed to keep his shirt on this time.
The Blues are getting the rub of the green in the box
Whichever way you look at it, Ipswich Town have had a bit of luck in the penalty area this week. Many referees would have pointed to the spot rather than book Sam Byram for a dive at Leeds, as James Adcock did, while plenty more wouldn’t have given a penalty for Jonathan Spector’s tackle on Ainsley Maitland-Niles. Thankfully, Keith Stroud did, and in both cases you could argue the referees got the calls right, but things won’t always go the Blues’ way.
Murphy needs a goal
It seems a simplistic statement, but the Championship’s top scorer isn’t having a great time in front of goal. The free header he missed in the 81st minute almost certainly would have found the net when he was in the midst of his hot streak last season, but this time it flew off target. It’s not a crisis by any means, considering the amount of pre-season he missed and the injury niggles which have restricted his game time since, but once one goes in, others are sure to follow
The Irishman wasn’t the only guilty party last night
Town had chances to win the game in the second half last night and, on balance, they probably should have. As well as Murphy’s header, Luke Chambers scuffed an effort wide, Ainsley Maitland-Niles scewed off target in front of goal and Ryan Fraser and David McGoldrick also missed tougher chances. You have to take them if you want to be challenging at the top end of what is a tough division. Hopefully Town won’t be ruing points dropped in this manner come May.
Birmingham’s kit…
Away kits can often be hit or miss, but this one was a very firm miss. The ‘iconic’ black, orange and yellow number is a replica of the kit worn by Trevor Francis side of 1972 and has been released to celebrate the club’s 140th anniversary. That doesn’t make it ok.
What got you talking from last night’s game? Let us know by using the comment box below or getting in touch on social media @eadtsport24
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