Three points? Tick! A brilliant comeback? Tick again! Exciting new signings getting fans on their feet? Big tick! Captain stepping up in the dying minutes? The biggest tick of all! Ipswich Town’s win against Fulham was deeply satisfying.

Last week, I wrote that I was keen to see more players step up in the big moments. And it did not take long for Town’s players to grant me my wish, though I did not expect two defenders to be the ones to do so.

Gary O'Neil's side had ridden their luck at times before Abdoul Ouattara’s and Dara O'Shea’s goals, but our resilience and ability to score late goals came up trumps again.

It’s still early days, but Ouattara looks like he could be one of Town’s most important players this season. A bargain signing so far.

And what a few weeks for captain O’Shea too, shortly after his partner gave birth to their baby girl. He has gone from strength to strength as a leader for club and country.

None of Ipswich’s four wins in the 2024/25 Premier League season were comebacks from losing positions, which is another thing the team is doing better this time.

After four defeats in the last five games, a win like that could do wonders for the players’ confidence before the daunting tie against Manchester City tomorrow afternoon.

Six wins from six league games, and 114 and charges – City are the club everyone is talking about.

Sticking to matters on the pitch, I hope this is finally the match that O’Neil attempts a back five for more defensive solidity. City have scored an average of 2.6 goals per Premier League game this season, and I am still concerned about Town’s recent history of conceding early goals against top sides.

Leif Davis and Ouattara could hurt City from wing-back, and having three centre-backs could allow them to attack more freely.

A sensible defensive and direct game plan may give Town more of a chance of leaving The Etihad Stadium with some points.