Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna expressed his satisfaction with his team’s performance following their 2-2 draw with Aston Villa at Portman Road on Sunday. The newly promoted Tractor Boys managed to reduce Villa to playing long balls for much of the game.
Kieran McKenna said “I thought we managed to do that for much of the game. They are a top team and they resorted to going long with many of their goal kicks. We dominated and controlled the ball and created more than enough chances to win. It’s a good step for us.”
Ipswich earned their point thanks to a brace from Liam Delap, which sandwiched strikes from Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins in the first half. Delap’s performance drew specific praise from McKenna.
Kieran McKenna said “It was another good day for Liam Delap. He does really well and he takes a lot of credit. The impact he has had and all-round play, and to have so much growth left in him, we are really happy to have him here.”
Reflecting on the game, McKenna acknowledged the challenge of creating chances in the division and highlighted his team’s progress.
Kieran McKenna said “It is not easy to create chances in the division. Aston Villa haven’t given up many big chances, so to create the chances we did showed the boys are growing into it. The next step is taking a couple more. We are showing that we are an improving side.”
Despite being foiled by Villa’s goalkeeper Emi Martinez, who made crucial saves against Delap and a stinging drive from Kalvin Phillips, Ipswich can take positives from the match as they continue their campaign in good spirits.
