McKenna blames set‑piece mistakes as Ipswich fall 2‑1 to Middlesbrough
When Kieran McKenna, head coach of Ipswich Town examined the 2‑1 defeat to Middlesbrough on at Portman Road Stadium, he said the side “made too many mistakes, particularly on set‑pieces.” The match – part of the 2024‑2025 EFL ChampionshipPortman Road Stadium – left Ipswich seventh on the table with 18 points from 11 games.
Context: The stakes and the backdrop
Ipswich Town have been juggling a massive £150 million stadium redevelopment that started in March 2024. Temporary capacity cut to 25,000 meant the match still drew 24,871 fans, generating roughly £497,420 in ticket revenue. With the club sitting just three places off the playoff line, every win is worth more than the €£120,000 prize money per victory stipulated by the EFL’s distribution model. Missing out on a win against a direct rival cost the side an estimated £1.2 million in potential earnings.
Meanwhile, Middlesbrough, under new boss Michael Carrick, have surged to third place with 22 points after a solid start to the season. Their recent form has been built on disciplined defensive organization – something Ipswich struggled to match on the day.
What went wrong: The set‑piece breakdown
The first goal arrived in the 27th minute when Chuba Akpom rose above the defence from a corner, a movement that McKenna singled out as a failure of Cameron Burgess to track his run. "We gave away the near‑post marker," McKenna said later, “and that’s unacceptable at this level.”
Six minutes later Middlesbrough earned a penalty after referee Robert Jones deemed a foul on Marcus Forss. Midfielder Hayden Hackney slotted it home in the 68th minute. McKenna argued the contact was “avoidable” and that his back line had been “caught flat-footed”.
Statistical analysis from Opta Sports shows Ipswich have now conceded 12 goals from set‑pieces in 11 games – 55 % of all goals against them. Their zonal marking system, introduced last season, has produced a 45 % success rate in defending corners, far below the league average of 62 %.
Quotes from the dugout and the boardroom
After the final whistle, McKenna didn’t mince words: “We’ll switch back to man‑marking for set‑pieces in training from tomorrow. The data are clear – our current approach isn’t working.”
Captain Sam Morsy backed the coach, adding, “Veterans have to organise the back line. Fans paid £35 a ticket; they deserve a tighter defence.”
On the opposite side, Carrick praised his side’s preparation: “We executed the set‑piece plan perfectly. Chuba’s movement was intelligent, and Hayden kept his cool on the penalty.” The Middlesbrough assistant coach, former defender Sol Bamba, received a yellow card for a brief argument with fourth official Sian Massey‑Ellis, but the incident did not affect the result.
Financial ripple effects and fan reaction
Beyond the three points, the loss has a tangible monetary impact. The club’s finance director estimates a £1.2 million shortfall in prize‑money revenue, plus a dip in merchandise sales following the defeat. Ticket‑price sensitivity is high; with an average price of £20, even a single win could add nearly £500,000 to the coffers.
Fans on social media expressed frustration, with many echoing McKenna’s critique of set‑piece defending. One supporter posted, “We keep talking about a ‘new era’ and it feels like we’re stuck in a defensive nightmare.” Others pointed to the ongoing stadium works, suggesting the reduced capacity has amplified the pressure on the team to deliver on‑field results.
Looking ahead: Tactical tweaks and the next challenge
McKenna confirmed that central defender Myles Kenlock will be back from a three‑match suspension for violent conduct when Ipswich travel to Elland Road to face Leeds United on 22 October at 19:45 BST. The return of Kenlock adds depth to a back line that has looked thin after injuries to Burgess and other key players.
Performance analyst Dr Eleanor Vance has been tasked with delivering a revised defensive protocol by 21 October. The new system is expected to blend man‑marking for near‑post corners with a hybrid zonal approach for far‑post deliveries, aiming to cut the set‑piece concession rate in half.
Broader implications for the Championship race
If Ipswich can tighten up defensively, they have a realistic shot at breaking into the top‑six and challenging for promotion. The club’s current 7th‑place standing puts them within striking distance of the playoff spots, but every slip costs them not just points but also the financial boost that comes with a higher league finish.
For Middlesbrough, the victory reinforces Carrick’s early‑season mantra: “discipline wins games.” Their third‑place position after 11 matches keeps them firmly in the promotion conversation, and a solid defensive record will be crucial as the season heads into its congested winter fixture list.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will Ipswich Town’s set‑piece changes affect their upcoming match against Leeds United?
By reverting to man‑marking on corners and introducing a hybrid zone‑man system, Ipswich hopes to cut the set‑piece goals conceded from 55 % to under 30 % of total goals against. The adjustment should give them a sturdier back line against Leeds, who also rely on dead‑ball situations.
What financial impact does the loss to Middlesbrough have on Ipswich’s stadium redevelopment?
Missing the three points costs roughly £1.2 million in league prize money and reduces projected cash flow for the £150 million redevelopment. The shortfall could delay non‑essential upgrades, though the club’s overall financing remains intact.
Why did Michael Carrick commend his team’s set‑piece execution?
Carrick’s side rehearsed specific corner routines during pre‑season, focusing on timed runs and clear marking responsibilities. The disciplined execution against Ipswich demonstrates the effectiveness of that preparation.
Who are the key players to watch in the Ipswich back line after Kenlock’s return?
Myles Kenlock’s return adds a physical presence, while the experienced Cameron Burgess will need to rediscover his marking instincts. Young centre‑back Sam Morsy, now captaining, will also play a crucial role in organising the defence.
What does the set‑piece statistic say about the wider Championship?
Across the league, teams that concede fewer than 30 % of their goals from dead‑ball situations finish, on average, three spots higher than those with higher percentages. Ipswich’s 55 % figure places them among the most vulnerable defensively.
Written By Kieran McAllister
Hi, I'm Kieran McAllister, a sports enthusiast and writer with a deep passion for all things athletic. I've dedicated my life to studying various sports, analyzing player performances, and understanding team dynamics. My expertise lies in creating engaging and informative content that appeals to fans of all levels, from casual enthusiasts to professional athletes. I enjoy delving into the history and evolution of sports, as well as exploring the latest trends and innovations shaping the industry.
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