Ipswich Town: Midfielder Jens Cajuste on Crystal Palace defeat

The Blues battled well in the first half, and although they were perhaps fortunate to go into the half-time break at 0-0, Harry Clarke came close to giving them the lead from a corner.

However, Jean-Philippe Mateta’s dinked finish just before the hour-mark proved to be decisive, with Town unable to mount a comeback to rescue a result.

“It was quite frustrating,” Cajuste said after the match.

“It felt like we started to come into the game in the second half, then conceded from nothing really. It’s incredibly frustrating.

“It’s a tight-knit group. Everyone supports each other through thick and thin. We know there are so many games still to come.

The midfielder has been praised for his consistent performances in the last few weeks (Image: Stephen Waller)

“It’s just a bump in the road.”

At Portman Road, Ipswich tend to put in strong performances. The 2-0 loss to Everton is the only real exception so far this season, but this game against the Eagles will now be put into the same category.

Cajuste doesn’t think it’s possible compare it to the 1-1 draw against Manchester United, however, arguing that: “It’s a different game. A different team with different tactics.

“They didn’t really press us as high as United did, but it’s difficult to analyse the games so shortly after the final whistle.

“We definitely lacked a bit of intensity.”

Asked whether the winless home run could be down to a psychological battle, the Swedish international was quick to play it down.

“I think it’s the Premier League,” he explained. “Every game is so tough, every game is a battle until the last minute. Anything can happen at any moment, so I’m not so sure about that.

“I think the win at home is coming soon.”

Of course, this defeat will be particularly painful. Going into the clash, the two sides had exactly the same record, with goal difference alone separating them in the league table.

Kieran McKenna's side are still looking for their first home win in the Premier League (Image: Stephen Waller)

Cajuste stressed that the squad “have to use it as fuel and motivation to be more ready for the next game”, and is aware that there’s still plenty of time to turn things around.

“There’s still so many games to go,” he stated. “It’s early, there’s time.

“Of course, we wanted to win this game a little bit extra, but it didn’t go our way this time.

“I think it’s a great team, a great club. Everything around it is fantastic.

“Of course, on nights like this, you’re a bit frustrated, but I’m very happy with the team.”