Boss Paul Jewell paid tribute to his players’ outstanding effort, workrate and energy during their 3-0 Carling Cup semi-final second leg defeat at Arsenal. The Blues were a goal up from the first leg but despite hanging on to their lead for an hour eventually succumbed to Arsene Wenger’s side.

Jewell said: “For an hour we held them, we rode our luck a little bit and you could have written the possession stats before the game kicked off. You knew they were going to have all the ball and we were going to try and sit back and soak it up and make it difficult for them, which we did.

“We had a little bit of luck, but I think we earned that and for an hour, as far as conceding was concerned, we looked all right.

“Obviously going forward it was difficult because they worked us so hard when they had the ball. The manner of the goals was disappointing, certainly the second one as it was a set piece.

“I can’t fault the players’ effort, they were outstanding and I couldn’t ask for more in terms of workrate and energy. They put so much into the game when Arsenal had the ball that it was difficult when we had the ball to try and create.”

The Blues manager says his players were downbeat in the dressing room afterwards despite performing so well against the Premier League side: “They’re disappointed because we knew we were massive underdogs, but once it got to an hour [you start to believe].

“I hate it when you come to places and people tap you on the head and say ‘Well done, unlucky, your players did great’ after they’ve just beaten you.

“But the players were great but they lacked that little bit of belief when we had the ball to go on and think we could actually score.

"But it’s very difficult coming here, we know we’re going to be under the cosh and I’ve got to give the players every credit because they worked tirelessly.

“The players weren’t disgraced over two games. They have given a brilliant team a right good run for their money as far as making it difficult for Arsenal is concerned.”

Arsene Wenger said his side needed keep their composure to overcome the Blues: “The players were really up for it, focused and at the end we needed to be patient.

“We have to give credit to Ipswich over the two games. They defended with great attitude, great spirit and we needed tonight to be mature, calm and patient and not to concede a goal.

“The fact that we have stabilised our defensive record helped us to qualify [for the final]. It meant a lot to the squad and the team and they deserved to be rewarded because they have an outstanding attitude and spirit and are on a natural development process.”

Wenger says a lesser side wouldn’t have gone through against Town: “An average team against Ipswich 1-0 down tonight wouldn’t have qualified.

"We have played Leeds and Ipswich and, in fairness, the Championship has improved a lot in the last five or six years because just physically they don’t weaken at all, they keep going.

“When we analyse the physical performance of Ipswich they are at the level of the Premier League without any problem.”

Photo: Action Images

Eddiemendez added 09:04 - Jan 26 What a fantastic team effort, well done boys, you did yourselves, us fans and the whole of Ipswich proud. Bit more luck on another night and who knows what could have been. Thought Halsey's decision to blow up for getting in the way of a pass out of defence was hilarious, especially as he'd got in the way at least once before..... And wtf Fabregas!!! Seriously! Diving little sh*t.... PJ, you've a great nucleus of players who are prepared to put their heart and soul into a town performance. Sort out Chuck and Mac's contracts NOW! One final comment (sorry all for waffle) but big big praise to Conor Wickham - the lad was outstanding last night - remembering he's just 17 and maturing all the time, he gave his all in a relatively unfamiliar position, great tracking back and desire to get forward. Can't wait for Derby - COYB!!!!!!!!

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smart4 added 09:21 - Jan 26 PJ was impressed with the squad when he arrived...Wenger believes the squad has the physical strength of a Premiership team...two performances on the pitch against a top three Premiership team has proven the huge potential already in the team. Think of it this way - had they been league matches it would have been 3 points a piece in the Prem. Your mission Mr Jewell, should you choose to accept it (and actually you already have) is to take this club to the Promised Land and realise the potential those two games have proven this great club has! Well done to everyone. You made us all proud on national TV!

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suffolkpoker added 09:24 - Jan 26 Arsenal showed there class last night, we needed them to have a "off day", even with them playing well, we made them work very hard for it. The atmosphere seemed electric, what great support for my beloved club. The future is bright, the future is blue... in Jewell we trust!
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Lightningboy added 09:24 - Jan 26 Fantastic effort..good words from the manager..this guy knows how to speak to the fans. Wasn't too sure about Jewell when he was first mentioned but I am 100% convinced & 100% behind him and his ideas. After the numbness of the last 2 years it really does feel like the "old" ipswich again.
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ClassyIpswichLass added 09:37 - Jan 26 Put your hands up if you thought Carlos Edwards was sensational until Alan Hansen got his magic pen out in the BBC studio at the end of the match.
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Paul_Jewell_Manager added 09:44 - Jan 26 No comment from katemoss. Methinks I am in love. ClassyIpswichlass; you are classy but nothin compared to my true love (katemoss;) on football matters. garv,pjewellisagod,whoppit, whippet and co= rightback was woeful.Watched the match from the stands (Emirates was AMAZING!) and we were cut to pieces down that side. got to agree with classyipswichlady; we were cut apart by one of the best teams in the world. still need a rightback: Jewell will not let us down. signing b4 the end of the week methinks! good game, just outclassed at times.fans were brilliant going to the stadium,at the stadium and back. absolute credit. lightningboy ; does feel like the "old" ipswich again.smart4; we were all proud to be ipswich last night. fourth; delaney was MOM for me. wheres katemoss?

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Paul_Jewell_Manager added 09:53 - Jan 26 hands half up half down classyipswichlass; As a rightback or a winger?great going forwards, awful tracking back.
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Paul_Jewell_Manager added 09:53 - Jan 26 hands half up half down classyipswichlass; As a rightback or a winger?great going forwards, awful tracking back.
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corshamblue added 09:55 - Jan 26 Bluelady, he was more at fault for the 3rd Goal. Fumbled the ball in Centre of the field leaving the overlap wide open for a very good Arsenal Team. However, blame and fault are, in my opinion, not in context with the game. Time and time again he covered that position well, as a Team they covered the flanks well, something we've not done all season. Well Done Town. Nearly worked.

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blueherts added 09:58 - Jan 26 Well - what a month it has been , a real roller coaster - I am def a happier bunny at the end than at the start of the month . Last night was a fantastic night in North London - great support and what a shower those Arsenal fans are . Out sung em in the ground and on the pitch for 50 odd minutes played a great game . Arsenal are a top team in top form , we were just out of juice but kept at em - Agree about Edwards - he caused some problems to them - yes he was exposed at the back by Bendtner but show a regular FB who hasnt been ... The right team , right tactics from the right Coaching staff - Nice to see our Manager get off the bench for some motivation and not just sit and blow bubbles - 3 points at Derby ... onwards and upwards

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GiveusaWave added 10:03 - Jan 26 Had to listen to the game on the radio in Hong Kong early in the morning. It was difficult working out what was going on but Delaney, McCauley and O'Dea sounded like they had great games. I am very proud of the team and their achievements in the cup. No idea how Edwards did. Never mentioned as a Defender, are you lot sure that he was playing right back? Everyone on here has changed their usernames, impossible to know who is who anymore!!!!

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ClassyIpswichLass added 10:05 - Jan 26 "awful" tracking back? A tad harsh, no? I thought he made Bendtner look as mobile as Jan Molby until he went all Ladrup on us. He was only really found wanting by a stroke of Bendtner genius: receives sublime pass from Arseshaving (I think), takes it down at speed with outside of right foot, sends Edwards the wrong way with a triple salto reverse nutmeg and then Muhren's it into Fülop's bottom left.

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GiveusaWave added 10:09 - Jan 26 You are a girl after my own heart ClassyIpswichLass! "Muhren's it"= great simile
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Bergholtblue added 10:09 - Jan 26 Spoke to some Arsenal fans whilst walking back to Finsbury Park. (Why the hell didn't they build the stadium in the park, it would have saved my legs). They all agreed that Edwards was out best player on the night but was wasted at right back. He did look composed on the ball but was found lacking defensively on several occasions. I am not knocking him, he did as well as anyone could under those conditions, I am just re-iterating most of the thoughts here, that we do need a dedicated right back.

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Loyal_Blue_11 added 10:48 - Jan 26 Quality from the players and fans! Couldn't have asked for anymore! Focus on the league now! COYB
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brian_a_mul added 11:29 - Jan 26 Edwards did very well at RB. The tactic was to have full backs close in on the centre to block up space from Arsenal central attacks. Arsenal were stiffled time and again coming through the middle. The quickness of Edwards at RB allowed him to turn sharply and use his speed to defend the flanks which he did numerous times. How many blocks did he get in near the byline??! A good few. Bendtners goal was a goal of sublime control, skill and finishing. After his first touch Edwards and cover were on him in a flash! But Bendtners skill created the chance. When we were chasing a goal after 2-0 down, Edwards was required to get forward to help create something. I wouldnt blame him for being out of position as he was probably instructed to get forward. When he did get forward he look threathening. We were always going to leave gaps at the back when pushing on & chasing the game. Great to see O Connor back, he look fired up and had a few good touches. Technically he looks one of our better players.

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BlueMoolay added 11:40 - Jan 26 I agree....start o'connor. He loves to run and take on players, has great skill on the ball and is exciting to watch. Bring it on..!!!!!
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_Mhs_ added 11:47 - Jan 26 Great effort, proud night for the town. The only bad thing is that next game we'll see our attendance drop back down under 18,000 and all of the part time supporters will have left. Start of a new era under jewell, because as we've proved in this cup competition, we've got the quality to compete against good teams.
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StowTractorBoy added 12:24 - Jan 26 It was a great effort from our lads and they did sweat for a Wembley appearance but there are still worrying aspects for me for the future which PJ will I am sure put right. Our goalkeeper is prone to far too many errors and is nowhere near worth the fee we paid for him. He can take high crosses but any lower that neck height he is in trouble as yesterday proved. Yes Edwards did have a decent game going forward but Arshavin took him to the cleaners too easily and gave Bendtner far too much space for the first goal which really lost us the tie. As has been said before badly need a proper right back. Thought the stadium was fantastic and makes you realise thatthe Premiership is a different world from the Championship. Loved the board with all the Arsenal players pictured including some of our old favourites. Great night out shame about the outcome especially when we were 30 minutes away from glory. Must keep it going in the league now and am glad we have no game this weekend so we can regroup with hopefully a couple of new signings.

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Bluemania added 12:25 - Jan 26 What a great performance lads, Delaney and McAuley were outstanding well done to the whole team let's hope they can carry on playing like this in the league and get us up that table.
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Worcester added 12:42 - Jan 26 To all of the 9000, Thank you you did us proud. I know i am biased but as we were keeping them out you were all I could here from the terraces. You made a big impression last night. Well to the lads. Some very good performances. If only it were a one leg round eh? COYB!
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ClassyIpswichLass added 13:16 - Jan 26 @brian_a_mul Your assessment of our right back last night is absolutely perfect.
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DubaITFC added 16:44 - Jan 26 It was the first time I have got to see the Town for ages on TV, being stuck out here in Dubai. I'd like to say well done to the travelling fans, the players and the staff for last night's game. You showed such great pride in the badge, True Blues all. The defence was immense, and not one team in the land could have stopped Bendtner's sublime goal. And in the last 10 minutes at 3-0 down when the pressure of having to protect the chance of going through to Wembley was lifted, I saw some pretty good passing football for an alleged rugby team! Onwards and upwards. I have no fear of the drop now on this evidence. COYB!

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Upbeat~ added 17:26 - Jan 26 Tremendous: fans, players, everyone. The atmosphere was terrific and I'm still feeling my voice today. The players defended with their lives and we were hard done by with the sucker-punch two goals so close together in the second half. Still, a great night and one I'll remember for a long time to come. COYB BLUE ARMY
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stoofer added 21:01 - Jan 26 great effort boys played with a real sense of pride, i thought norris run his little legs off, would be mad to let him go!
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