Despite fighting back from 0-2 down to secure a 2-2 draw, Chelsea saw yesterday as a missed opportunity at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea started the match well, getting forward quickly and causing the Ipswich Town defence issues in the early exchanges.
Nicolas Jackson went close to breaking the deadlock after just eight minutes, rifling the outside of the post from close-range.
Levi Colwill, Marc Cucurella, Trevoh Chalobah and Noni Madueke all had chances and it seemed as though a Chelsea opener wouldn’t be too far away.
However, it was Ipswich Town who struck first, with Ben Johnson finding Julio Enciso in the box who lashed his first-time effort past Robert Sanchez to put the Tractor Boys 1-0 up.
Kieran McKenna’s side doubled their advantage on the half hour mark, with goalscorer Enciso turning provider this time, finding Johnson at the back post who cleverly nodded his effort back across goal past Sanchez.
Chelsea were booed off the pitch at half-time but it didn’t take them long to strike back in the second period, with Maresca’s men netting just 19 seconds into the second half when Axel Tuanzebe turned a Noni Madueke cross behind into his own net.
The Blues continued to push on in search of an equaliser and it was well worth the wait, with substitute Jadon Sancho curling a spectacular effort into the top corner with 10 minutes to go to restore parity.
Cole Palmer came close to winning it for the Blues in stoppage time but his curling effort was saved well by his namesake Alex Palmer to ensure the sides shared a point each at Stamford Bridge.
In truth, it’s a point that doesn’t help either side, Ipswich Town need wins if they are to stand even the faintest chance of staying up and it’s two points dropped rather than one point gained for Chelsea in their push for Champions League football next season.