Debutant goalkeeper Alex Palmer helped 10-man Ipswich hold off Aston Villa to earn a valuable point in their quest for Premier League safety after a 1-1 draw at Villa Park.
Ollie Watkins soon levelled for Villa, but a brilliant rearguard action, led by the unbeatable Palmer, who made a string of saves, saw Kieran McKenna’s men hold on for a draw.
But the hosts should have been in front in the 34th minute as debutant Axel Disasi’s ball over the top was perfect for Watkins, but the England striker got his finish all wrong, bundling wide from 12 yards.
The game swung in Villa’s favour in the 40th minute when Tuanzebe picked up a second yellow card after hauling down Jacob Ramsey on the edge of the area.
For Villa, who threw on January signings Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio, this was a big chance missed in their bid to qualify for the Champions League for a second successive season.
