How Goal Scoring Turnaround Ended Ipswich's Woes

Ipswich Town stunned Championship leaders Coventry City at Portman Road on Saturday, running out 3-0 winners.

The win takes them up to fourth in the Championship, which is where they would have expected to be when they were relegated from the Premier League last season.

However, this season has been far from plain-sailing for the Tractor Boys, who had to wait 35 days into the season for their first win and were 14th on 24 October

Let’s take a look at why Kieran McKenna’s men were suffering at the start and if data suggests they are now over their early woes.

Poor conversion proved costly

Three games into the season, just three of 35 Town shots had hit the target, leaving a rate of 8.6% - easily the worst in the whole league.

The season prior, this stat belonged to West Bromwich Albion, although the Baggies’ rate was significantly better at 28.1%.

Sammie Szmodics couldn't get to grips with the central attacking role, and is yet to get a goal contribution this season, regardless of his injury that ruled him out for a month.

The Irishman only averages 51 minutes per game in his 11 Championship appearances, a clear sign that McKenna felt he kept having to take him off to make an impact.

Blunt Attack Now Sharpened?

Since Szmodics' injury in late October, Marcelino Nunez has come into the role, and has thrived there.

The Chilean has three goals and two assists from the eight games in which he has deputised, which has coincided with an upturn in the rest of Ipswich's attacking form.

Since beating West Bromwich Albion by a single goal to nil on 25 October, the Tractor Boys have scored 16 goals in eight games - compared to 17 in the 11 matches beforehand (of which five came in one game).

The goals are also being shared across the squad more in recent matches; Jack Clarke, Jaden Philogene and George Hirst combined had bagged 13 of their 17 goals before the QPR match, whilst the trio have only five of the 16 strikes ever since.

Problem Solved?

Ipswich's increase in goals scored and sources of strikes has coincided with them shooting up the table, from 14th up to the fourth place they are currently at.

On this evidence, it is crystal clear to suggest that McKenna and his squad seem to have sorted out their on-field issues and are now scoring with freedom, with early-season concerns in the rear window.

Kieran McKenna has confirmed that Sam Szmodics has recovered well from his routine knee operation and has trained with the group this week.

The forward will be available for selection tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/Mj0noJPxkQ

— Ipswich Town (@IpswichTown) December 5, 2025

However, with Szmodics now back from his knee issue and set to return to the squad, it will be interesting to see whether the Ipswich gaffer reintegrates him into the starting lineup or if he will have to settle for a spot on the bench to not ruin the cohesion forged in his absence.