Kieran McKenna told ‘don’t play him’ as Muric set to get Ipswich relegated
Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna must bench goalkeeper Arijanet Muric if the club are to avoid relegation this season, says Clinton Morrison.
A bottom of the table clash with Southampton on 1 February presented the Tractor Boys with an opportunity to climb out of the relegation zone.
The Saints took the lead in the 21st minute, thanks to Joe Aribo, who got on the end of a deflected cross.
Ipswich would find an equaliser through Chelsea transfer target, Liam Delap, as the former Man City striker coolly slotted past Aaron Ramsdale.
It would all go horribly wrong for McKenna’s side, despite having the better opportunities in the match, as Paul Onuachu scored in the 87th minute to give Southampton all three points, following a mistake from Muric.
Former Crystal Palace striker, Morrison, said on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday (4.51pm): “They’re in trouble, yeah definitely, but it’s the goalie situation.
“Watching the replay again, he has to do better than that, Muric. He’s parried it back into danger. The first one’s his mistake as well, he should save it.
“I know Walton’s picked up an injury but don’t play him at the moment, he doesn’t look like he’s confident. You need people that are confident when you’re in a relegation battle.”
Ipswich miss a huge opportunity in survival chase thanks to Arijanet Muric mistake
Football Insider Opinion
Ipswich Town are now in serious risk of suffering relegation this season, after losing a key relegation battle against Southampton.
The Suffolk based side sit 19th in the Premier League table, with 16 points, having won only three games this season.
McKenna has been a miracle worker at Ipswich, getting the club promoted from League One, and then the Championship, in back-to-back seasons.
The young manager clearly needs more talent in his side, and the Tractor Boys have been linked with a move for former Man United and Chelsea star, Nemanja Matic.
However, the Premier League is an uncompromising league that will not afford you the luxury of having players who make mistakes in key moments, like Muric did today.
One result does not define a season, and the positive part about today is that, despite having failed to win, Ipswich’s next five opponents are: Aston Villa, Tottenham, Man United, Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest.
Ipswich have already beaten Spurs and Palace, and have drawn with Villa and United. The only opponent in their next five games to have taken all three points from them are Forest.
McKenna now has a major decision to make after this game, does he stick with Muric, or does he give one of his other goalkeepers, such as Man City academy graduate, Cieran Slicker a chance.
In other news, Sammie Szmodics has bid farewell following a confirmed January transfer.
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