In a pulsating encounter at the Gtech Community Stadium, 10-man Ipswich Town suffered a heartbreaking 4-3 defeat to Brentford in the Premier League.
Despite missing several key players due to injury and illness, Ipswich initially took command, storming to a 2-0 lead through well-crafted goals by Sammie Szmodics and George Hirst.
However, Brentford fought back before halftime, with Yoane Wissa halving the deficit and Harry Clarke unfortunately turning the ball into his own net.
Bryan Mbeumo later put the hosts in front from the penalty spot before Ipswich’s Clarke was sent off for a second bookable offense, leaving Kieran McKenna’s men at a disadvantage.
Substitute Liam Delap provided what looked to be a vital equalizer with just minutes remaining, firing home to make it 3-3. But in a dramatic twist, Mbeumo’s overhit cross slipped past Arijanet Muric, sealing a third consecutive defeat for Ipswich and shattering the away fans’ hopes.
Ipswich looked lively from the start, surprising Brentford, known for their rapid starts, with some sharp, early attacking moves. Chiedozie Ogbene’s cross was deflected out for a corner within minutes, but Brentford managed to clear. Moments later, Szmodics was denied by a last-ditch block after some slick build-up play on the left.
The Blues felt aggrieved in the seventh minute as a seemingly clear foul on Hirst went uncalled by referee Lewis Smith, allowing Brentford to press forward for the first time.
Ipswich, however, swiftly closed down Bryan Mbeumo, while Christian Nordgaard’s long-range effort was blocked by Jens Cajuste, keeping the early scoreline intact.
As Brentford began to settle into the game, they won a corner through Keane Lewis-Potter’s agile footwork. Nordgaard’s header off the delivery forced a close-range save from Muric in the 18th minute, as Ipswich’s defense held firm.
The opener for Ipswich came from a well-timed counterattack. After a patient buildup from the back, Kalvin Phillips spotted Hirst’s forward run, threading a precise pass. Hirst pivoted in space and found Szmodics, who coolly slotted home in the 28th minute.
Ipswich doubled their lead just three minutes later, with captain Conor Chaplin threading a pass to Hirst, who capped off his full Premier League debut with a composed chip over Mark Flekken. This bright start was marred, however, by an unfortunate injury to Ogbene, who was stretchered off before the break.
Ipswich pressed to extend their advantage, with Szmodics nearly capitalizing on a poor Brentford goal kick. His shot was saved, and Wes Burns couldn’t convert the rebound. Just moments later, Leif Davis shot wide from the edge of the box.
But Brentford seized their chances before halftime. A slick play down the line saw Lewis-Potter evade Phillips and set up Vitaly Janelt, who squared the ball to Wissa for a clinical finish in the 44th minute.
As six minutes of added time was announced, Brentford struck again, with Mbeumo’s flick putting Wissa through. His shot deflected off Clarke, making it 2-2 after a VAR review.
Early in the second half, Brentford completed the comeback with a penalty awarded after a quick free-kick led to Clarke fouling Lewis-Potter. Initially given as a free-kick, VAR upgraded it to a penalty, which Mbeumo dispatched in the 51st minute, putting Brentford ahead.
Although Ipswich fans kept their spirits high, the momentum had shifted. Clarke’s full Premier League debut took another downturn when he received a second yellow card for a challenge on Lewis-Potter, despite replays showing he had won the ball.
Damsgaard’s ensuing free-kick grazed the roof of the net, while Muric later made a crucial save to keep Ipswich in the game.
Down to 10 men and seemingly outmatched, Ipswich showed resilience. In the 86th minute, Davis delivered a pinpoint cross to Delap, who stayed onside to level the score with a deft finish.
However, with seven minutes of added time ticking down, Mbeumo’s lofted cross drifted past Muric and into the net, breaking Ipswich hearts. Even then, Ipswich nearly salvaged a point when Delap’s last-gasp effort hit the post, but Brentford held on for a thrilling 4-3 victory.
In other Premier League action, Brighton and Wolverhampton Wanderers battled to a 2-2 draw, while Aston Villa secured a 1-0 win over Bournemouth.
