Jaden Philogene's hat-trick propelled Ipswich Town to a dominant 5-0 victory over Sheffield United in a Sky Bet Championship match at Portman Road. This victory marks Ipswich's first win of the season and their first at home since December when they beat Chelsea in the Premier League. The win lifts Ipswich to 11th in the Championship table. Meanwhile, Sheffield United remains at the bottom of the league, still without a point, increasing the pressure on their head coach, Rubén Sellés, who has lost all five matches since taking over in the summer.
Ipswich had an early opportunity to score in the 11th minute when a cross from Leif Davis nearly found Chuba Akpom, but Sheffield United's goalkeeper, Michael Cooper, managed to get a hand to the ball. Shortly after, a through-ball from Jens Cajuste set up Kasey McAteer, whose shot was saved by Cooper. Philogene opened the scoring in the 20th minute, receiving the ball on the left, cutting inside, and firing a shot into the far corner of the net. Philogene continued to trouble the Sheffield United defense, setting Akpom up, but the cross did not find an Ipswich player.
Early in the second half, Philogene scored again, making it 2-0. George Hirst and Akpom combined to send Philogene down the left, where he made a mesmerizing run across the penalty area before scoring past Cooper. Sheffield United's Tom Cannon forced Ipswich keeper Alex Palmer to make a save, but Ipswich extended their lead when Hirst challenged for the ball in the penalty area, and his shot went through Cooper's legs and into the net.
The home crowd cheered when Marcelino Nunez, a former Norwich midfielder, replaced Akpom in the 63rd minute. Hirst had another goal disallowed for offside shortly after before Philogene completed his hat-trick with another impressive strike. Jack Clarke completed the scoring, picking up a deflection off Sheffield United defender Japhet Tanganga and slotting the ball home. Ipswich had further opportunities to increase their lead, but Cooper denied Sam Szmodics and Clarke, and a free-kick from Nunez went just over the bar.
Philogene described his hat-trick and the team's performance as "special". He emphasized the importance of continuing to work hard in training to maintain this level of performance. Philogene also acknowledged the positive impact of the new players, noting how quickly they have integrated into the team. He gave the match ball to his mother to keep it safe. He believes the team is gelling well and is optimistic about their future.
