'Horrible moment' - Ipswich legend points finger at Bassey for first half goal conceded by Fulham

Ipswich Town legend Matt Holland has criticized Fulham defender Calvin Bassey for his role in the opening goal conceded during Fulham’s 2-2 draw against Ipswich Town at Craven Cottage on Sunday.

Bassey, making his 19th Premier League appearance of the season, failed to clear the ball effectively after a defensive mix-up led to Sammie Szmodics' goal in the 38th minute. 

The incident occurred when Antonee Robinson headed a cross from Nathan Broadhead onto his own post while attempting to defend the ball.

The loose ball fell to Bassey, who mishandled his clearance, sending the ball directly into the path of Szmodics.

Meanwhile, Szmodics, who has been in exceptional form this season, capitalized on the mistake, and his strike deflected off Bassey and into the back of the net.

The goal marked his 32nd since the beginning of last season, a remarkable tally only bettered by top names like Erling Haaland, Mo Salah, Cole Palmer, and Alexander Isak across England's top two tiers.

While Holland praised Ipswich for their approach to the match, noting their dangerous counter-attacking style, he was critical of Bassey’s role in the goal.

Speaking on commentary for the Premier League world feed, monitored by allnigeriasoccer.com, Holland described the moment as a "horrible clearance" and pointed out that the Nigerian defender failed to deal with the ball properly, allowing Szmodics to take advantage.

"It has been a tough first half for Ipswich, haven't seen a lot of the ball, but they do carry a threat on the counter," he stated.

"It's wonderful play from Broadhead, the awareness, the space that he's in to try and pick out that ball at the far post.

"It's a horrible clearance from Calvin Bassey straight to Szmodics who is composed enough to hit the target and find the back of the net. All his Premier League goals for Ipswich have come away from home, add this one to his tally."

"Horrible moment for Calvin Bassey. First of all the clearance and then the deflection off him into the back of the net. Don't defend it well at all Fulham."

Raul Jiménez netted two penalties to equalize for Fulham, while Liam Delap also scored Ipswich's second from the penalty spot.

Adeyemi Adewale

Photo Credit: fulhamfc.com

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