Ipswich Town fans aren’t convinced by new signing after Southampton display

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Ipswich Town looked to kickstart their promotion push this season with their first home game of the season against fellow relegated side Southampton.

The two teams struggled last season in the Premier League, but they both hope that a return to the Championship will bring better days ahead.

Ipswich’s draw with Birmingham on the opening day, followed by being knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Bromley in midweek, has brought about some questions about the Tractor Boys and how easily they will adjust back to the second tier.

While there were some familiar faces back in the mix at Portman Road, one new name on the teamsheet is yet to convince Ipswich fans.

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Ipswich fans aren’t convinced by Azor Matusiwa after display against Southampton

Ipswich’s tough start to the season continued as they hosted Southampton at Portman Road in what could be a result that has huge implications come the end of the campaign.

The Tractor Boys took the lead as a mix-up at the back saw Taylor Harwood-Bellis score an own goal just a few minutes into the game.

Southampton grew into it, though, as Jay Robinson scored a header to bring the visitors level in the tie.

It was a game that then flowed between the two teams, but ended in a draw and a point each for Ipswich and Southampton.

For the home team, it was a chance to see some new faces, which included Azor Matusiwa in the midfield, the replacement for captain Sam Morsy, who left this summer.

The midfielder showed some of his quality but also some areas for improvement, as supporters were left wanting a bit more.

Taking to social media, one fan said: “Matusiwa getting lost in the midfield. Keeps lunging in.”

Another added: “Not sure about Matusiwa tbh.”

Others pointed out his ability to pick up yellows, much like Morsy, as he took his tally up to two for the season.

One fan said: “I think Azor Matusiwa will surpass @sammorsy08 yellow card record for Ipswich within the season.”

“Matusiwa will get better but he does look a little lost out there still,” another said.

“Matusiwa is a walking second booking. It’s Jens [Cajuste] time,” one fan claimed during the game.

“Not having Matusiwa based on the first 30 mins or so doesn’t go with the rest of the team when we press, gets beat too easily and looks stiff in the middle of the pitch. Get Cajuste on ASAP.”

It may take some time for Matusiwa to adjust, along with the rest of the Ipswich squad as a whole, as they are still hunting for their first win of the season.

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Ipswich need time to adjust back to Championship life

Three draws in their first three competitive fixtures of the season isn’t the start that most Ipswich fans would’ve had in mind.

However, for Kieran McKenna and his squad, there will need to be a period of adjustment back to the rhythm of winning matches.

Birmingham and Southampton were difficult for their first two Championship games, and there should be more favourable fixtures up ahead.

Ipswich will seek the next five matches as a chance to get their first three points on the board towards a promotion push.

Wins should breed confidence and bring that chemistry between players that is needed on the pitch.