Indeed, the 2-1 loss against Cardiff on Saturday—which included two goals given up in stoppage time—might deal a psychological damage.
But Town has often shown that, under the direction of their cool-headed and methodical manager, they are resilient to setbacks.
After a 4-3 home loss to Leeds in August of last year, the team won four straight league games.
After November’s 2-0 away loss to West Brom, the team won four games in a row in the league.
Three days after the crushing 4-0 loss at Leeds soon before Christmas, they turned in a strong performance to draw 1-1 at home against league leaders Leicester.
After a 3-2 loss against Preston in the beginning of February, the team went on a seven-game winning streak.
East Anglian Daily Times: On Tuesday night, Leif Davis scored a late goal against Bristol City and celebrated. With the exception of Easter weekend, Town now only has one remaining midweek match.
Tuesday night, Leif Davis celebrates his late victory over Bristol City. With the exception of Easter weekend, Town now only has one remaining midweek match. Pictured is Steve Waller.
Plan Less Punishment
Town traveled 1,566 miles and played nine games in 36 days either side of Christmas.
The last nine games were played in a span of 36 days and involved an incredible 2,378 miles of travel.
In contrast, the final nine games cover a total of just 1,256 miles of travel over 50 days.
After Easter weekend, there’s only one more midweek match, which takes place at home.
The same for each individual? No. Southampton has ten games in 37 days, including rescheduled matches against Preston and Leicester.
Leicester has ten games (maybe more if they defeat Chelsea on Sunday) in forty-nine days as they advance through the FA Cup quarterfinals.
East Anglian Daily Times: Omari Hutchinson’s strike gave Town a 1-0 victory over Southampton in September of last year.
Omari Hutchinson’s goal against Southampton in September of last year gave Town a 1-0 victory. (Photo credit: Ross Halls)
OPPOSITION STYLE
If there’s one thing Town has struggled with this season, it’s playing against teams that aim to create mayhem by being aggressive, blunt, and direct.
In the next two games, Sheffield Wednesday and Blackburn Rovers, managed by John Eustace and Danny Röhl, might put that to the test. Under their new managers, André Breitenreiter and Tom Cleverley, Watford and Huddersfield, may also fit into that category.
But one thing is certain: Hull, Middlesbrough, Southampton, Norwich, and Coventry will all want to square up in a technical football match. Yes, these are five challenging opponents, now ranked fourth through ninth, but from a stylistic standpoint, Town prefers these matches.
East Anglian Daily Times: Ipswich Town’s 2-2 home tie with Norwich City in December saw a goal from Wes Burns. On April 6, Carrow Road will host the second East Anglian derby of the season.
In December, Wes Burns scored in Ipswich Town’s 2-2 home tie with Norwich City. On April 6, Carrow Road will host the second East Anglian derby of the season. Picture: PA
GUIDE FOR REVERSE FIXTURES
It’s not a perfect science to analyze how teams performed in the reversals of the games they still have because managers have changed, players have arrived, and form has fluctuated.
Still, Town supporters should take heart from the following.
If the previous scenario were to happen again, Leicester would have finished first with 109 points, followed by Ipswich with 101, Leeds with 96, and Southampton with 88.
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