Life at Ipswich Town has not been easy for Jack Clarke so far this season, but he may have turned a corner now after his latest performance.
Jack Clarke left Sunderland in the summer to join Premier League new boys Ipswich, breaking Black Cats’ hearts in the process.
While the lure of the top flight was too much to turn down, Clarke may have been regretting his decision after coming in for criticism from Ipswich fans for his early-season displays.
From playing a bit-part role to frustrations in the final third, things simply hadn’t been going Clarke’s way for Ipswich… until now.
Jack Clarke bags crucial assist for Ipswich Town
Ipswich recorded a crucial win over fellow relegation strugglers Wolves on Saturday evening, with an injury time goal from Jack Taylor clinching all three points for Ipswich at Molineux.
And it was the introduction of Clarke that helped to change the game, with the former Sunderland star registering a key assist for the 94th minute winner.
| Statistics | Jack Clarke vs Wolves |
|---|---|
| Minutes played | 15 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Shots | 1 |
| Successful dribbles | 1 |
| Pass success | 88% |
| Successful crosses | 1 |
| Successful long balls | 1 |
| Duel success | 60% |
Not only that, Clarke’s 15 minute cameo saw the young winger find success with his one dribble, cross, and long ball, as well as having a shot blocked, too.
Perhaps more impressive is the fact Clarke also managed to win three of his five duels on the night, something he is not particularly renowned for.
It was a big moment for Ipswich in their fight for survival, and on a more individual level, that may have been the performance to save Jack Clarke from his Premier League nightmare and help him get up and running for the Tractor Boys.
Sunderland have no chance of Jack Clarke loan now
There had been murmurs among the fanbase that a return to the Stadium of Light could have been the answer for Clarke.
We even suggested that the next two games would be crucial for Clarke in determining whether he would remain at Ipswich beyond the January transfer window.
With his impactful display against Wolves, it would appear any hopes of a Clarke reunion are fading fast. Which is a shame for any Sunderland fans who wanted to see the player return, but obviously very good news for the player himself.
Still, with Tommy Watson injured, Regis Le Bris will need to find a replacement somewhere. Whether that is in the transfer market or in the Sunderland squad remains to be seen.