Clarke delivers dream start for Ipswich

Jack Clarke scored in the 90th minute to give Ipswich Town a 2-1 win over Sunderland and mark their return to the Premier League with victory at Portman Road.

Emersonn opened the scoring for the hosts before Nilson Angulo levelled with a superb free-kick. Clarke then settled an entertaining contest late on, becoming only the third Ipswich player to score a 90th-minute Premier League winner.

The result gave Ipswich their first victory in a Premier League opening match since the 1993-94 season, when they defeated Oldham Athletic 3-0. It also ended the club's nine-game losing run at Portman Road in the top flight.

Clarke calls for Ipswich to build momentum

Clarke said the victory was an important early boost after Ipswich's previous Premier League experience began with a long wait for a win.

“It was nice today to kick-start with a win and try to use that momentum and confidence and that self-belief we had before the season to just keep snowballing.”

His comments reflect Ipswich's desire to build on a positive opening result as they begin their fight to establish themselves in the top flight.

Sunderland rue missed opportunities

Sunderland dominated possession, recording 62.5 per cent of the ball, but could not turn that control into a result. Their defeat means they have won only one of their last nine Premier League opening matches, drawing four and losing four during that run.

Sunderland's manager said the result was “a bit cruel” but acknowledged that his side needed greater composure and more attacking efficiency in possession. He praised Angulo's goal but insisted the team must quickly analyse the defeat and move forward.