Chelsea and Ipswich: Reaction to the Controversial Penalty

Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez and Levi Colwill were livid after a controversial penalty decision in their defeat against Ipswich. Reaction and analysis.

The "Chelsea" players Enzo Fernandez and Levi Colwill were furious after their defeat to "Ipswich" on Monday, with head coach Enzo Maresca commenting on the controversial penalty decision post-match. Liam Delap scored from the spot after the referee judged him to have been brought down by Filip Jorgensen.

John Brooks did not hesitate and his decision was quickly supported by VAR, though replays showed little or no contact between Delap and Jorgensen, with the striker losing his balance. The Premier League explained in a statement: 'The referee’s decision of a penalty for a foul by Jorgensen on Delap was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed there was sufficient contact for a penalty.'

Responding to the incident after the game in his post-match press conference, Maresca shrugged off the controversy. 'They [the players] said it’s a bit soft but we have to accept it’s a penalty,' the Italian remarked.

It was a tough night for "Chelsea", whose title ambitions have dwindled during the festive period, with this being their second consecutive defeat, having previously lost to "Fulham". The Blues hit the woodwork twice, and a Joao Felix goal was disallowed for offside, with Maresca explaining why it was a "strange game". He added: "Strange game in terms of creating many chances, and we could have scored many but they saved balls on the line or made great saves from the keeper. We could do many things better, defend better at times."

"We made four changes from the last game because they all deserve to play. Now we’ve completed the first part of the season, no one expected us to be where we are. We are in a good position, but we can do many things better. It’s a long race. We had chances with Joao and Noni, so it’s not about the striker. Sometimes you create chances, and it doesn’t go for you. We focus game by game. We aren’t focused on the title race," he emphasized.

The "Ipswich" boss Kieran McKenna praised his team’s performance and Delap in particular. "One of the best nights. We’ve been privileged to have many good nights. Special one for the players and supporters."

"We’re trying to find a way to keep our identity even though our backs are against the wall a lot. We try to keep the values that got us here but know we’re playing world-class teams every week, so we’re trying to strike a balance." On Liam Delap: "Top. He’s improving all the time. His rate of improvement for a young player is very high. His style is enjoyable to watch for anyone. There aren’t many like him out there, and he’s facing incredible Premier League defenders every week."