Decisive figure lifts Ipswich Town with an early match-settler | OneFootball

Jaden Philogene settled the contest in the second minute, rifling a right-footed effort from outside the box into the top corner as Ipswich Town beat Stoke City 1-0.

That early strike, fashioned after a neat feed from Marcelino Núñez, set the tone for the Tractor Boys, with Philogene repeatedly carrying the ball on the left and pinning Stoke's full back inside.

After the fast start, he soon forced Viktor Johansson to tip over from the left side of the box (20.). He then saw another effort blocked as Stoke retreated (47.), before sliding Leif Davis in for a chance that flashed wide (55.).

Philogene's influence ran beyond the finish. He produced three attempts, two on target, and created two chances. His work without the ball was just as decisive: 11 recoveries and four interceptions underlined how he disrupted Stoke's build-up and kept Ipswich high up the pitch. Late on he drew a free kick and a booking as pressure told (89.).

Because Ipswich consistently found him early in wide channels, his carrying repeatedly unbalanced Stoke's defence and ensured the hosts controlled the key phases.

Ipswich rise from fifth to fourth in the Championship and visit Leicester City next. Stoke host Swansea City next.