Gary O'Neil believes moments of quality will decide Ipswich Town's Premier League fate this season. The Blues' manager expressed strong confidence in his squad's effort and resilience as they prepare for a key home match against Fulham.
Ipswich currently sit 11th in the Premier League table with six points from their opening five games. Their recent form has been mixed, with one win and four defeats in their last five outings, including a 1-0 loss at Everton before the international break. They now face Fulham at Portman Road on Saturday, a side currently 19th in the table and yet to win this season.
O'Neil stressed that while results have been inconsistent, the team's commitment has never wavered. "Really confident in the group that I know what I'm going to see," he said. "Every single time I ask them to push and work, I get a fantastic response."
He acknowledged the challenge of securing wins at the highest level but backed his players to find a way. "The most confident I've been in a group that I know what I'm going to see," O'Neil added. "And I know they're going to give absolutely everything."
The manager pointed to the season-opening 2-1 win over Sunderland, secured by a late Jack Clarke goal, as the type of competitive performance they need to replicate. He believes similar clashes, like the upcoming test against Fulham, will be decided by fine margins. O'Neil cannot guarantee victories but is certain his team will be in every contest.
With seven goals scored and eleven conceded so far, finding that extra bit of quality in both boxes is the clear focus. The team's upcoming fixtures present an opportunity to build momentum, starting with the visit of a Fulham side also desperate for points.
Ipswich's next match is at home to Fulham on Saturday, 10 October.
The original report is at eadt.co.uk
