Delap double earns Ipswich 2-2 draw against Aston Villa

MANCHESTER, England — Aston Villa missed a chance to move level on points with Premier League leaders Liverpool after a 2-2 draw at Ipswich on Sunday.

Liam Delap scored twice for newly promoted Ipswich to earn a point at Portman Road.

Villa led 2-1 at half-time, but Delap’s 72nd-minute goal ensured the points were shared.

Villa remain fifth and Ipswich are 15th after a fourth consecutive league draw.

Delap fired Ipswich into a surprise lead in the eighth with a low effort at the near post.

Morgan Rogers equalized seven minutes later when Villa capitalized on the failure of the Ipswich defense to clear the danger in their own box and slotted past goalkeeper Arijanet Muric.

Ollie Watkins put the visitors in front in the 32nd when he rose to meet Leon Bailey’s cross from the right for his fourth goal in as many games.

But Villa’s hopes of overcoming Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea were ended by Delap’s second from inside the box.

Manchester United host Tottenham later on Sunday.

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James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson