Ipswich's brutal reminder not to feel sorry for themselves in heat of battle

The Premier League can be brutal. Moments before half-time at Old Trafford on Sunday, Ipswich Town came close to doubling their deserved lead at Manchester United.

An hour later, they had conceded five goals, including a controversial and perhaps decisive second.

Gary O'Neil was spot on in saying his side didn't park the bus, gave it a go and had some great moments. He was also correct in identifying that his team's emotional discipline must improve.

Dealing with setbacks was something Town struggled with last time out in the top flight, and there were too many capitulations in games where the Blues looked to be in the ascendancy.

While it is very early on in the season, the Ipswich players and staff should be quick to remind each other they cannot afford to feel sorry for themselves in the heat of battle.

It is Liverpool up next under the lights at Portman Road on Friday and home support can play a massive part in proceedings.

Deadline day arrival Zian Flemming will be hoping he can too, having started the season well at former club Burnley. His 11 Premier League goals last term is a positive stat that can hopefully be improved on with the help of good service from the likes of fellow new arrivals Julio Enciso and Abdul Fatawu, who have both settled in nicely.

But Friday is likely to rest on how well Town pick their moments to go forward, as a collective, while defending against an attack that could well boast three players who each cost nine-figure sums.

We may see a full debut for World Cup-winning midfielder Exequiel Palacios, who will no doubt relish going up against fellow Argentina international Alex Mac Allister and former Bayer Leverkusen team-mate Florian Wirtz.

While Town have had joy at Anfield this century, it is more than 40 years since they last beat the Reds at Portman Road. But if they produce an opening 40 minutes like they did at Old Trafford and don't let up, they have a chance.

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