Ipswich Town: Terry Hunt on Premier League draw with Fulham

I always thought the Fulham game would be the first true benchmark against a team destined to finish mid-table. We more than matched the visitors, and we were certainly the better team throughout the second half.

Very encouraging. If we are able to take points from teams like Fulham then, in theory, we should keep our heads above water. Very early days, I know, but there are positive signs.

The undoubted highlight was Liam Delap’s terrific first goal for Ipswich. The striker just kept going before unleashing his shot. It capped a great performance from the big man. He has quite rightly been widely praised, including by our friends on Match of the Day.

Liam Delap celebrates his spectacular goal (Image: PA)
It was Town’s first Premier League goal at Portman Road for more than 22 years. The last was Darren Bent’s first Ipswich goal, against Middlesbrough in April 2002. A very long time to wait...

There were several other really good performances on Saturday. I’m more convinced than ever that in Omari Hutchinson we are watching a superstar in the making.

The youngster already looks so comfortable in the Premier League. He reminds me more and more of Giovanni dos Santos, and that is praise indeed. The way he escapes from tight corners with incredible close control is amazing, and he is learning to make really good use of the ball.

I was off my seat in anticipation when he cut inside and shot with his left foot deep into injury time, but sadly he hit it too close to the keeper. I am still mystified as to why Chelsea let him go, but I’m delighted they did!

Kalvin Phillips gets stuck in against Fulham (Image: PA)
It was good to see Kalvin Phillips getting a solid 70 minutes on the pitch after playing so little football in the last couple of years. Everyone knows what he is capable of, and if he can get anywhere near his best he will be a huge asset.

Alongside Phillips in midfield, our skipper Sam Morsy was very impressive. What an admirable footballer he is. Morsy is 33 next week, and is stepping up to play Premier League football for the first time in his career. Don’t forget, humdrum Championship outfit Middlesbrough were happy to let him go.

But Morsy looks like he belongs in the Premier League. His all-action performance against Fulham was precisely what we’ve come to expect from him - non-stop and combative, including the inevitable booking!

At the back, Jacob Greaves continues to look like a great signing. Next to him, it’s good to see local boy and League One warrior Luke Woolfenden in the side and playing well. He knows he now has competition from Dara O’Shea so there is no room for slip-ups.

The other player who deserved plaudits is the largely unsung Axel Tuanzebe. He goes under the radar in terms of headlines, but is a calm, assured defender and has experience at this level. An important player for us.

Jack Clarke produced an exciting cameo off the bench, and I can see him becoming a real crowd favourite.

Sam Morsy has had a strong start to life in the top tier (Image: Steve Waller)
Of course, not everything is perfect - I spoke to some fans who were grumbling that we hadn’t won - but I left the ground mightily encouraged.

We need to remember that this is still a team under construction, and it will continue to improve. Half the starting line-up against Fulham only joined in the summer, and the team will take time to settle.

But the signs are good. A mate of mine quite rightly said that every one of the new arrivals is a noticeable upgrade on their predecessor.  Very telling.

Of course, it means some old favourites have headed for the exit door. We have said goodbye to Kayden Jackson, who is absolutely flying at Derby, as well as Freddie Ladapo, George Edmundson, and Marcus Harness, the latter two on loan. All of them played their part in our incredible journey and we thank them and wish them well.

We have time to draw breath now with an international break. I’m so pleased it comes after such a positive performance.