Analysis: O'Neil can be encouraged at team's displaypublished at 18:25 BST 19 September
18:25 BST 19 September
Michael Emons BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Ipswich scored last-minute goals in their wins over Sunderland and Crystal Palace and their fans would have had hopes of more late drama when seven minutes were added on at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Town had sent on Zian Flemming, who scored their winner against Palace, but the 10 men could not score, with Flemming wasting a good chance in injury time when he fired over the top.
Centre-half Issa Diop almost snatched a point right at the end, only for his effort to be charged down by a combination of Branthwaite and Garner.
But there would still be plenty for boss Gary O'Neil to be encouraged about from his side.
Everton's Jordan Pickford, another to be included in Thomas Tuchel's England squad, had to make four excellent saves as Ipswich battled well, before the sending-off of Abdul Fatawu midway through the second half meant the visitors were forced on to the back foot.
O'Neil, whose father died earlier this week, watched his side determinedly chase an equaliser, but it was a fruitless pursuit.
Nevertheless, going into the three-week international break, O'Neil's team have six points from their first five matches back at the top level, staying out of early trouble.
Everton 1-0 Ipswich: What O'Neil saidpublished at 18:06 BST 19 September
18:06 BST 19 September
Media caption,
Ipswich Town manager Gary O'Neil speaking to BBC Sport: "I thought we were unfortunate to leave with nothing, we gave a lot and looked a threat. We conceded a very unfortunate goal. The main criticism of the performance is that we didn't show the cutting edge that we have in recent weeks."
On Abdul Fatawu's sending off: "I've seen them given, I've seen them not given. It looks like he is anticipating contact - and there is contact. I can understand it being a yellow card. Where it is on the pitch, I don't think the referee needs to get involved. I've spoken to him, he has been excellent for us. I suppose the lack of experience... it's making sure when you're on a yellow card that you don't take any risks. I thought we were excellent with 10-men and the home fans were restless.
Ipswich remain without a clean sheet in each of their last 24 Premier League games, extending their worst run without one in the top-flight.
Ipswich Town's Gary O'Neil has lost 50 of his 93 Premier League games as a manager, the seventh quickest to that tally. David Moyes has inflicted more of those defeats on him than any other coach (five).
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on your smart speaker. Just say "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play Brighton v Arsenal" or "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play the Newcastle match", for example.
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Sutton's predictions: Everton v Ipswich Townpublished at 11:05 BST 19 September
11:05 BST 19 September
I nearly went for an Ipswich draw last week but changed my mind and went for Crystal Palace to win.
That meant I'd predicted Ipswich would lose their first four league games and they are joint-bottom of the table based on my predictions.
Gary O'Neil's side have obviously done much better than that in reality - I know Palace went down to 10 men last week but, even so, well done to the Tractor Boys for finding a way to win that game.
Fair play to them, I like the ambition the club's owners have shown in the transfer market, and I really like the way O'Neil sets his team up. They are not just there to sit in in games, and they have got their reward.
I still fancy Everton to win this, though. They have made a great start to the season to stay unbeaten so far and, under David Moyes, they are a battle-hardened, resolute and well-organised outfit.
As a former Norwich striker, I often get accused of being biased against Ipswich, but I am not being overly negative about them here.
I just see it being a tough afternoon for them, without getting a goal, and then a long trip home for their fans on the A14 - hopefully they don't close any of the major roads on Saturday so it is not an even more miserable journey back for them.
Everton v Ipswich: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 19:46 BST 18 September
19:46 BST 18 September
Matthew Hobbs BBC Sport journalist
Everton aim to continue their unbeaten start against an Ipswich side bidding for back-to-back away wins.
BBC Sport examines some of the key themes going into their meeting at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday.
The win over Wolves in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday provided the dual positives of extending Everton's unbeaten start to the season and allowing fringe players to come to the fore.
Second-half substitute Charly Alcaraz scored the winner after 80 minutes – his first goal for the club in 13 months – on his longest outing of the season so far.
Winger Tyler Dibling also impressed on what was only his eighth start since swapping Southampton for Merseyside in a £35m move a year ago, assisting the winning goal, while Brennan Johnson, usually utilised out wide, was effective as a central striker after replacing Thierno Barry.
The flexibility and impact of squad members is a welcome boon for manager David Moyes given he was limited to selecting from just 15 fit senior outfield players for the cup tie.
Christian Norgaard, Harrison Armstrong and Merlin Rohl are injured, and while Armstrong could return this weekend, Everton's arduous end to the summer transfer window is already being exacerbated by fitness issues.
The EFL Cup victory means that Everton prepare to face Ipswich Town having started their campaign by going undefeated in six games in for the first time since 2020-21, while it is only the second time in either Moyes reign that the Blue have gone unbeaten in their opening four Premier League matches.
While the midweek fixture was decided by players still earning their manager's trust, Everton's most recent league outing was influenced by somebody already assured of Moyes's good graces.
James Garner's all-action performance in the goalless draw at Tottenham was pivotal in earning a hard-earned point and a return to his superlative form of last season following groin surgery before this campaign.
Garner's physicality, creativity and versatility are all likely to be crucial assets if the Toffees are to push back towards the European places this season, but also in matches against unpredictable opposition.
Ipswich have impressed in beating Sunderland and Crystal Palace already this season, while they were competitive during the early stages of the defeat at Manchester United.
The Tractor Boys have earned six points after four matches, having taken 16 matches to do so during their previous Premier League campaign in 2024-25.
However, they are only the third team in the competition's history to earn six points at this stage while conceding as many as 10 goals.
The juxtaposition of Ipswich's points and goals-against tallies point to a side playing more open football than in their tactical approach to the top flight two years ago.
A key part of that increased ambition has been the threat posed by summer signing Julio Enciso. The 22-year-old tops most of Ipswich's attacking metrics, including touches in the opposition box (14), shots (14) and dribbles (20), while he has also drawn more fouls resulting in a card for an opponent than any other Premier League player this season.
Enciso also has form for troubling Everton having scored to help earn a 2-2 draw at Goodison Park in May 2025 while on loan from Brighton, on Ipswich's most recent trip to the blue half of Merseyside.
The hero last time out, however, was Zian Flemming, another summer signing scoring his first goal for the club in the 90th minute to seal a 3-2 win at Selhurst Park.
Flemming's involvement will not be lost on Moyes given Everton were reportedly interested on deadline day, nor Ipswich's summer outlay of £185m – a sharp contrast to Everton's trading profit of £25.4m.
Ipswich boss Gary O'Neil will hope the club's recruitment drive will prove decisive as he hunts a first Premier League victory as a manager against Moyes, having lost all four meetings so far.
His Everton counterpart can only hope his whole squad continues to contribute across the course of this season.
O'Neil on the loss of his dad, team news and start to seasonpublished at 14:26 BST 18 September
14:26 BST 18 September
Grace Wheeler BBC Sport
Media caption,
Ipswich boss Gary O'Neil has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium (kick-off 15:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
O'Neil began by talking about the loss of his father, who passed away this week, external: "The past 24 hours have been tough but I have been at separating things. I have managed to be there for the family and the team, so of course the mourning and the memories of my dad will continue over the next few days but full focus is on what we need to do here, and the team have been great, the club have been great. I appreciate everyone's support. A tough few days but as life dies, we need to move on. But I am looking forward to taking the club to a big game tomorrow."
He moved on to talk about his team selection and whether he will be picking the same side most weeks: "The team is not set, and it is not like I am stuck on a starting XI. It is ever changing based off form and what we can do against the opposition."
On team news, he added: "Everyone is fit apart from Jack Taylor. He is really close though, so the international break comes at a good time. As football normally does, it will throw up some new challenges, if it doesn't, we should be a fully fit squad."
On when Azor Matusiwa could return: "We are just waiting for him to get enough reps in training for him to get comfortable. He is doing everything in training and is doing 11-v-11 with the guys on the grass, but he has been out quite a while, so we don't need to throw him back in. We have lots of midfielders and lots of players fit. We are trying to find the right moment to get him back in the team. He is available tomorrow, we haven't decided if he will play a part in it."
On Emersonn Correia da Silva, who was injured with a tight quad: "All fine and all good. It has been another good week for him. Things have settled down with the tight quad he had, and the game in the week helped him. He is available."
Discussing his team's progress so far this season, O'Neil said: "I think the two wins have been excellent for us, and to play two teams that aren't in the 'big club' category, it is a real good start. We do still need to try and do better. Everton will be a test. They are excellent at home, they always are. This is a game that we go in with confidence and belief and I have massive belief in us. We have prepped really well and trained well."
Davis 'should be wing-back' - Warkpublished at 17:33 BST 17 September
17:33 BST 17 September
Image source, Getty Images
Legendary former Ipswich midfielder John Wark has said Leif Davis "should be a wing-back" because of his attacking prowess, but warned against an England call-up at this stage.
The 26-year-old defender has impressed so far this season and his one goal and assist has already equalled his tally from Ipswich's last Premier League campaign in 2024-25.
There have been some calls for his performances to be rewarded with a place in Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions squad for the upcoming international break, but Wark told BBC Radio Suffolk: "I think it's too much.
"For me, he should be a wing-back because I think he's better there than at left-back When he goes forward he makes goals and I think he's a real top player. But, when he's at full-back he's not as good."
On the other side of Gary O'Neil's defence, Darnell Furlong admitted after Tuesday's Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Arsenal that having limited game time so far this season has been difficult.
Wark believes Furlong will have opportunities, but there will be those in the squad who struggle.
"It's a big squad and there are not a lot of games to play," he added.
"Some players won't get the time but I think Furlong is a decent player and he will do well. But, it's difficult to get the game time."
Cup exit undoubtedly a blow to players short of minutespublished at 17:04 BST 16 September
17:04 BST 16 September
Graeme McLoughlin BBC Radio Suffolk sports editor
Image source, Getty Images
Six points from Ipswich Town's opening four Premier League games, which have included both a win at home and away, is a return I am certain the majority of Blues supporters would have settled for before kick-off against Sunderland last month.
A win in the Carabao Cup as well is further improvement on the previous two campaigns, when the Blues fell at the first hurdle to League Two opposition.
This week, there was no disgrace for Gary O'Neil's side in losing to Premier League champions Arsenal in the cup, particularly as they made the scoreline look a bit more respectable thanks to yet another late goal - Ipswich have now scored five goals already this season in the 90th minute or beyond, which is another positive trait in terms of their attitude.
However, defeat by the Gunners was undoubtedly a blow to a number of players who are short of minutes this season.
As a result, there are now just 14 fixtures left this calendar year, with only a couple of two-game weeks within that stretch, and 27 first-team squad members to consider.
Recently, O'Neil batted away any concerns about keeping everyone at the training ground content.
"I'm more than happy to have those difficult conversations with people," he said. "They're never personal and the players understand hopefully. It only takes an injury, a change of form or something I see in training to go from not playing to being back in the staring XI."
You could sense post-match on Tuesday that the Ipswich captain for the night – Darnell Furlong – is among those particularly frustrated by a lack of game time.
The defender was a mainstay in the Town team that won promotion from the Championship, but has played less than 25 minutes in the league so far this time around.
"It's really tough, that's all I can say. I'll keep working hard and try to change things," he told us at BBC Radio Suffolk.
O'Neil is understanding of Furlong's disappointment, and has been quick to praise the player.
"I've not used Darnell anywhere near as much as I want to, but I love him to bits and he's a massively important part of what we're trying to do this season," the Ipswich boss explained. "How I value the players is not based on how many minutes they play, it's about how much you do to help the group."
Furlong, for his part, appears to be accepting of the situation, adding: "The squad is a level up from last year to meet the demands of this league. There have been some great signings, with some great players and some great humans. It's one very well knitted group."
Those words, if echoed by fellow squad members, bode well for O'Neil and Ipswich going forward.
They head to Everton this weekend, where victory would make it three wins from their opening five top-flight games for only the eighth time in club history.
Referee and VAR correct on Gakpo penalty claim at Ipswich - panelpublished at 13:48 BST 16 September
13:48 BST 16 September
Dale Johnson Football issues correspondent
Image source, Getty Images
The Premier League's Key Match Incidents Panel has backed the decision not to award a penalty to Liverpool at Ipswich Town earlier this month.
Liverpool led 2-0 towards the end of the first half when Abdul Fatawu slid in to make a block and brought down Cody Gakpo on the edge of the area.
Referee Darren England allowed play to continue, and video assistant referee Nick Hopton decided against a review.
The KMI Panel voted 4-1 that it should not be a spot-kick, and 5-0 that there should be no VAR review.
"An unusual situation where some contact is made by Fatawu on Gakpo after the ball is laid off," the KMI Panel members said.
"The majority feeling was that the contact was below the high threshold for a foul and they unanimously felt that this was not a clear and obvious error for VAR intervention."
Ipswich 2-4 Arsenal - the fans' verdictpublished at 12:50 BST 16 September
12:50 BST 16 September
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your thoughts after Tuesday's Carabao Cup game between Ipswich Town and Arsenal.
Here are some of your comments:
Ipswich fans
Walter: I wish Town would stop the playing out from the back nonsense. It cost us last night and has cost us in previous matches. We looked much better when Leif Davis and Jack Clarke entered the fray. In the end, a cup run is secondary to points in the league so no complaints about fielding the reserves.
Mel: Arsenal played like a well-oiled football machine. It's easy to see why they are Premier League champions. But, particularly late on in the game, Ipswich had them worried and played their best football of the game. We always knew we were playing arguably the best team in the league and we would be lucky to get anything from the game, but scoring two goals against them made a statement. We will get better and will stay up, but as they say, you can't win them all (yet)!
Michael: Heartening display by Town, marred by giving the ball away in crucial positions.
Paul: A little disappointing. We always carry an attacking threat but our habit of conceding goals and looking loose at the back is alarming. The team need to stop conceding goals otherwise I can see us struggling as the season goes on.
Arsenal fans
Stuart: Arsenal were well on top throughout the game and Max Dowman was superb - I don't think it will be long before he is a regular starter. Couple of criticisms, we allowed their wide players too much space and were very pedestrian going side to side, but generally were very good.
Satish: Brilliant going forward, but must not leave the gate open behind! All in all, the going is good - long may it continue!
Vince: Another game that underscored our strength in depth. Guys like Ebere Eze, Noni Madueke, and Mikel Merino - not to mention Dowman too - deserve more minutes in the league but then again, who would you take out? It's an excellent problem for Mikel Arteta.
Tom: I think Max has earned some minutes, Mikel! What a prospect and a joy to watch as he attacks the final third! If he can keep his feet on the ground, he could become an Arsenal superstar! Well done Max!
'We'll just keep working hard'published at 11:15 BST 16 September
11:15 BST 16 September
Ipswich defender Darnell Furlong admits having limited game time so far this season has been difficult.
After captaining Town in their 4-2 Carabao Cup defeat by Arsenal, he told BBC Radio Suffolk: "[It has been] really tough, that's all I can say. We'll just keep working hard to try to change things.
"[The squad is] top quality - a level up from last year, which it had to be. As good as last year was, we had to go again to meet the demands of the league. Some great signings, great players and great humans, which is always nice."
Ipswich 2-4 Arsenal: What O'Neil saidpublished at 08:46 BST 16 September
08:46 BST 16 September
Image source, Getty Images
Ipswich Town boss Gary O'Neil, speaking to BBC Radio Suffolk after Carabao Cup home defeat by Arsenal: "Heavily punished by a very clinical side. There wasn't loads in it and it felt like there was chasms in it because of their clinical nature.
"I think they didn't have loads of shots. They didn't have loads of chances, but when they did, it went in and it made it feel like we were a long way out of the game from very, very early. But then we were a threat throughout.
"We should've made more of our opportunities in the first half. We had loads and loads of opportunities around the box. They're a good side, they have good players. If you make a mistake, chances are it'll be a goal and it did.
"Good attitude from everyone. They kept plugging away. Important minutes in some players and we came out of it with a bit of credit in the end, which we deserved because it wasn't a 4-0 game. I'm not too big on stats and stuff but when you look at them, you think there wasn't too much in it.
"We fought back as hard as we could and we got a couple of goals, which we deserved."
On sticking to their philosophy, even when down two goals early: "You have to play. If you just boot the ball the whole game, you're going to spend a lot of time without the ball. You have to be good enough to do all of it.
"We made the mistake of making a square pass for the first goal, which has nothing to do with the style, just a mistake that can happen. It shouldn't end up in a goal. We should find a way to deflect it away from goal. The one from build-up is more disappointing.
"The two that we lost went in the goal which is the disappointing thing really. Look, if we abandoned the build-up, we wouldn't have made the 20 chances we had against a side that are excellent defensively. There's a balance to it. We have to get better at it."
You can also listen to today's 5 Live commentaries on your smart speaker. Just say "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play Liverpool v Tottenham" or "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play the Ipswich match", for example.
New this season: Live match updates
Fans of Premier League clubs can now get real-time scores live on their phone lock screen for every game.
Simply follow your favourite football teams on the BBC Sport app for updates throughout the 2026-27 season.
Timber rested for Ipswich EFL Cup match as cautionpublished at 17:29 BST 15 September
17:29 BST 15 September
Sami Mokbel Senior football correspondent
Image source, Getty Images
Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber is set to miss Tuesday's Carabao Cup tie against Ipswich but his expected omission is viewed as precautionary.
The Netherlands international made his first appearance of the season following a long-term groin issue in the Premier League win over Sunderland on Saturday, coming on as a substitute for Ben White, who suffered a muscular injury in the first half.
But despite his return to fitness, Arsenal are expected to exclude Timber from the squad to face Ipswich tonight.
Sources are indicating the decision is not linked to any new issues over his long-term groin problem.
Given the defender has only just returned from a long-lay off, the club are showing caution and want to ease Timber back to full fitness.
Manager Mikel Arteta is also set to rest other senior members of his squad against Ipswich.
Meanwhile, White has undergone a scan to determine the extent of the muscular issue he suffered at the Stadium of Light.
Arsenal are still to confirm the severity of the injury suffered by White but he is expected to miss the clash with Gary O'Neil's side.
'You can feel the energy is different' - Luis on enjoying night gamespublished at 16:11 BST 15 September
16:11 BST 15 September
Image source, Getty Images
Summer signing Florentino Luis says the prospect of making his Portman Road debut under the lights against Arsenal is something he wants to "enjoy" because the "energy is different".
Luis signed for Ipswich from Burnley in the summer but suffered a calf injury soon after joining. He is now back to full fitness and came off the bench to help the Tractor Boys to their second Premier League win of the season, against Crystal Palace, at the weekend.
Speaking to BBC Radio Suffolk about the possibility of facing the reigning league champions in his first home game, Luis said: "Every player that is at Arsenal is a big player. Some players who haven't had a lot of time in their first games [may] play against us, but the quality is the same.
"I like night games. Hopefully I can play to give the fans a victory."
On why he enjoys night games, he added: "Maybe the lights and the time that you wait during the day is a bit longer.
"It's a time when everybody's at home waiting for the game. You can feel the energy is different when it's at night and you want to enjoy that."
O'Neil promises to 'give it our best go' in cup competitionspublished at 20:05 BST 14 September
20:05 BST 14 September
Image source, Getty Images
Ipswich Town boss Gary O'Neil is looking for his players to "use the energy of Portman Road under the lights" when they come face-to-face with Premier League champions Arsenal in the Carabao Cup third round.
The Tractor Boys have taken two wins and six points from their first four games back in the Premier League, with O'Neil praising the "fantastic character" in his squad after their 3-2 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday.
He is now looking for his side to go toe-to-toe with Mikel Arteta's on Tuesday night (20:00 BST).
"Arsenal are tough to beat, even if you do everything right," O'Neil said. "I will make some changes to my team, I'm sure Mikel Arteta will make changes to his team, but it is a game we want to win.
"I want us to get as far in the cups as we possibly can, so we are going to give it our best go at home under the lights.
"We missed an opportunity against Liverpool [at the start of September]. We played well but it was already 2-0 in the ninth minute.
"We missed an opportunity to use the energy of Portman Road under the lights against a big side, but we can correct that on Tuesday.
"We can start the game well. We can take the fans with us. We can attempt to beat one of the best sides around."
Ipswich Town have already progressed further in the Carabao Cup than they have done in nine of the past 10 seasons, after cruising past Leicester City with a 3-1 second-round win.
Image source, Getty Images
