Jack Clarke's Late Winner Sinks Former Club Sunderland as Ipswich Win 2-1

Jack Clarke scored a dramatic 90th-minute winner as Ipswich Town beat former club Sunderland 2-1 at Portman Road, marking a triumphant Premier League return under new head coach Gary O'Neil.

Ipswich, newly promoted and fielding several debutants after a summer of 12 signings, took the lead in the 24th minute when Emersonn steered home a low cross from Julio Enciso following a slick counter-attack. Sunderland, back in the top flight themselves after a strong 2025-26 campaign, levelled just before the break through a stunning Nilson Angulo free-kick from the edge of the box. The game looked set to finish level until Enciso was forced off through injury with 19 minutes remaining, with substitute Jack Clarke coming on in his place.

Clarke, who made 114 appearances for Sunderland before his £15 million move to Ipswich in 2024, made an instant impact. In the fourth minute of stoppage time, Sunderland substitute Omar Alderete gave the ball away cheaply, and Sasa Lukic found Clarke in space, who cut inside and curled a finish beyond goalkeeper Robin Roefs for his first-ever Premier League goal. The strike sparked wild celebrations at Portman Road and gave Ipswich a first opening-day league win since 1993-94, having lost four straight top-flight openers before this.

The result also handed O'Neil a winning start in his first competitive match since replacing long-serving boss Kieran McKenna over the summer. Ipswich outshot their visitors and finished with the better expected-goals numbers on the day, a promising sign as they look to establish themselves back in the top flight. For Sunderland, there will be disappointment at throwing away a point so late, but they'll have chances to bounce back as the new season gets underway.