Tottenham Hotspur defeated Ipswich Town on Saturday to make it three wins on the trot in the Premier League for the first time since December 2023. Spurs have won as many games in their last three as they did across the previous 15 (D2, L10).
The scoreline might flatter Tottenham, but they will take the three points after a treacherous period. Spurs raced to a two-goal lead, but Omari Hutchinson cut the deficit.
Ipswich refused to lay low and continued plugging away, pushing Spurs to the brink, and one attacker played a central role.
Striker Liam Delap led the line superbly and showed why Premier League clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United are circling. Tottenham should also be in the race for his signature.
From the first minute, Delap had the Tottenham defence on the ropes, sprinting clear and dragging Archie Gray with him before forcing Guglielmo Vicario to a stretching save, and Ipswich should really have snuck the loose ball in.
Gray had a torrid time dealing with Delap, and manager Ange Postecoglou praised the Tottenham youngster for handling himself well against the former Manchester City star, whom he called a handful for many Premier League defenders.
Delap wasn’t done with Tottenham. A few minutes later, he rolled into a dangerous area, finding a neat angle for himself, but could not curl his effort beyond Vicario. His header then smacked off the crossbar minutes later.
Delap is the battering ram Tottenham expected Richarlison to be, but injuries have ravaged the Brazilian’s time in North London, and Spurs must shift him off the books this summer.
If Richarlison leaves the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer, Delap has to be on the shortlist of replacements. The 22-year-old has 10 goals and two assists in the Premier League. He brings a style that would translate under Postecoglou.
Tottenham may have taken the spoils on the day, but Ipswich and Liam Delap left a lasting impression.
If Spurs are serious about evolving under Postecoglou, they need a striker who embodies relentless energy, physicality, and a clinical edge – qualities Delap has showcased all season.
(Stats from Sofascore)