Jack Clarke delivered a moment of pure drama at Portman Road on Saturday, curling home a 90th-minute winner against his former club Sunderland to give Ipswich Town a 2-1 victory in their opening Premier League fixture of the season.

The winger, who joined Ipswich from Sunderland in 2024 for £15 million, came off the bench to capitalise on an error by Sunderland defender Omar Alderete — punishing the Black Cats in the cruelest fashion possible.

A bright start for O'Neil

It was a debut to remember for new head coach Gary O'Neil, who took charge of Ipswich after replacing Kieran McKenna. O'Neil named no fewer than seven new signings in his starting XI, a bold statement of intent for the newly-promoted side.

One of those new arrivals, Emersonn, gave Ipswich the lead in the 24th minute after Sunderland defender Luke O'Nien gifted possession deep inside his own half. Emersonn made no mistake, finishing coolly to put the hosts ahead.

Angulo free-kick levels proceedings

Sunderland hit back just before the interval through Nilson Angulo, whose stunning free-kick drew the visitors level at 1-1. The European qualifiers appeared dangerous in the first half, but they struggled to impose themselves after the restart.

As the match appeared to be drifting toward a draw, Clarke emerged from the bench and settled matters with that composed, curling finish in the 90th minute — sealing three points for Ipswich and ensuring Gary O'Neil began his tenure in style.