Ipswich relegated after one Premier League season as Chelsea boost top-five hopes with Everton win

Ipswich Town’s brief return to the Premier League came to an end after a heavy 3-0 defeat at Newcastle United. The match symbolized a season of struggles for Kieran McKenna’s side, highlighted by Ben Johnson’s dismissal in the first half after two quick yellow cards. That moment swung the momentum firmly in Newcastle’s favor at St James’ Park.

Just before halftime, Alexander Isak calmly slotted home a penalty after Jacob Murphy was brought down by Julio Enciso. After the break, Dan Burn powered in a header to double Newcastle’s lead, and William Osula added a third goal in the closing stages to leave Ipswich no route back. With just four matches left, Ipswich find themselves 15 points behind West Ham and now face an immediate return to the Championship, bringing an end to their inspiring yet challenging comeback story after more than two decades away from the top flight.

Ipswich, despite their remarkable consecutive promotions from League One and the Championship, were unable to adapt to the demands of the Premier League. Only four wins from 34 matches left them outmatched against more seasoned sides. Their relegation, along with Southampton and Leicester, ensures that all three newly promoted clubs will return to the second tier next season. McKenna, praised for his dynamic style since taking over in 2021, could not steer the club to safety in a season marked by tough lessons.

At the other end of the table, Chelsea kept their hopes of a Champions League place alive with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Everton at Stamford Bridge. Nicolas Jackson ended his long goal drought with a crisp strike from 20 yards out in the first half, moving Chelsea up into fifth place with four games left to play.

Chelsea’s gritty display, praised for its aggressive edge, was exactly what manager Enzo Maresca had called for as the race for European football intensifies. Jackson’s goal proved decisive as Chelsea controlled much of the game, though they struggled to extend their lead against a resilient Everton defense. The result strengthens Chelsea’s ambitions of not just a top-five finish, but a potential late push for the Champions League spots if their strong form continues.