It's taken a while, but Brighton seem to be learning how to manage games in the Premier League.
Brighton soaked up pressure in the first half and perhaps even looked a bit ponderous going forward as Joao Pedro, Simon Adingra and Kaoru Mitoma remained on the fringes. Ipswich were more adventurous and Bart Verbruggen had to be sharp to keep out three low long-range efforts from Nathan Broadhead, Liam Delap and Omari Hutchinson.
Joel Veltman's "game management" was at it's peak to see Delap booked and Pedro was a touch fortunate to only see yellow after clattering into former Brighton goalkeeper Christian Walton.
Brighton's moment arrived on 59 minutes as Yasin Ayari's clever ball into the box found Matt O'Riley and the former Celtic man teed-up Mitoma to side-foot a low effort through the grasp of Walton - perhaps still groggy from Pedro's flying challenge.
Walton then saved well to keep out Pedro's shot on the turn but Georginio Rutter, on as a second half substitute for O’Riley, skilfully toe-poked home a second after a scruffy free-kick into the box. His strike was eventually confirmed after a long VAR check. It was Rutter’s third in two matches following his brace in the 4-0 FA Cup win at Norwich last Saturday. The Seagulls have enjoyed their recent trips to East Anglia and they managed the remaining minutes at Portman Road for their first Premier League win in eight.
Here’s how they rated...
9. Matt O'Riley - 7
A lovely and unselfish assist to tee-up Mitoma for the opening goal. Played the furthest forward of Albion's midfielders and provides a calm presence. Knows what he's going to do before receiving the ball. Replaced by Rutter with 30 to go. Photo: Justin Setterfield
10. Matt O'Riley - 7
A lovely and unselfish assist to tee-up Mitoma for the opening goal. Played the furthest forward of Albion's midfielders and provided a calm presence. Knows what he's going to do before receiving the ball. Replaced by Rutter with 30 to go. Photo: Justin Setterfield
11. Kaoru Mitoma - 6
Struck the decisive goal – his fourth of the season – in the second half as his low effort slipped through the fingers of Walton. The Japan international had been quiet up until that point. Photo: Mike Hewitt
12. Joao Pedro - 7:
Did the physical work for Brighton as he led the line. Perhaps fortunate to escape with a booking as he clattered into Walton after the break. Competed well in a physical contest. Denied a goal on 67 minutes by Walton's fine finger tipped save. Photo: Mike Hewitt