Southampton vs Ipswich Town: Saints Show Spirit In Narrow Defeat

Southampton were edged out by Ipswich Town in a closely-fought encounter at St Mary's Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Saints started brightly and took the lead through Tyler Dibling's fifth-minute strike. However, Ipswich hit back with two goals in quick succession from Sam Morsy and James Norwood to turn the game on its head. Ralph Hasenhuttl's men pushed for an equaliser but were unable to find a way through a resolute Ipswich defence.

The result leaves Southampton still searching for their first win of the Premier League season, while Ipswich move up to third in the table.

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl made two changes to the team that started last week's defeat to Manchester United. Yan Valery and Moussa Djenepo came into the side in place of Ryan Bertrand and Nathan Redmond.

Ipswich Town manager Paul Cook also made two changes to his team, with Luke Chambers and Gwion Edwards replacing Kane Vincent-Young and Alan Judge.

The game started at a high tempo, with both teams looking to attack. Southampton had the first chance of the match when Valery's cross found Che Adams in the box, but the striker's header was well saved by Ipswich goalkeeper Tomas Holy.

Ipswich responded with a chance of their own, when Norwood's shot from the edge of the box was blocked by Jannik Vestergaard.

The Saints took the lead in the fifth minute when Dibling's cross from the left found its way to the feet of Adams, who laid the ball off for the midfielder to fire home from close range.

Ipswich were level just four minutes later, when Morsy's header from a corner found its way into the back of the net.

The Tractor Boys then took the lead in the 12th minute when Norwood's shot from the edge of the box took a deflection off Vestergaard and looped over Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy.

Southampton pushed for an equaliser but were unable to find a way through a resolute Ipswich defence. The Saints had a chance to level the scores in the second half when Adams' shot from the edge of the box was saved by Holy.

Despite their best efforts, Southampton were unable to find an equaliser and Ipswich held on to secure a hard-fought victory.

The result leaves Southampton still searching for their first win of the Premier League season, while Ipswich move up to third in the table.