Lowly Ipswich defeated Chelsea 2-0 at Portman Road on Monday, dealing a serious setback to Chelsea's attempt to reenter the Premier League championship race. Liam Delap's early penalty and a goal from former Chelsea winger Omari Hutchinson in the second half both stunned Enzo Maresca's team. After losing to Fulham on Boxing Day, Chelsea suffered their second straight loss, leaving them winless in their past three games. Following an eight-game winning streak across all competitions, the West Londoners have become unexpected championship candidates.
Chelsea is now in fourth position, 10 points behind leader Liverpool, who still have a game in hand, following a shocking outcome in Suffolk. Ipswich, now in third place, wins for the second time in its previous four games and moves within one point of safety. With their first top-flight home victory in 22 years, Kieran McKenna's team has rekindled their confidence that they can avoid relegation this season.