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Chuba Akpom has given Ipswich Town manager Gary O’Neil another reason to trust him after a strong display in the 3-1 Carabao Cup win over Leicester City at Portman Road, Footynaija reports.
The 30-year-old striker played a key role in Ipswich’s first two goals on Tuesday night. He used his strength to trouble Leicester’s defence and made several good runs into dangerous areas.
Akpom did not score, despite having several chances, but O’Neil was pleased with his overall performance. The Ipswich boss said Akpom has “earned my trust” and knows the striker can “do a job for us up there”.
Akpom joined Ipswich permanently from Ajax for £7m after the club secured promotion back to the Premier League. He signed a contract until 2029 after making 31 appearances during the Championship promotion campaign.
His first Premier League appearance this season came as a substitute in Ipswich’s 2-1 win over Sunderland on 22 August. He played 24 minutes in that match.
His latest display could now put him closer to a starting role when Ipswich travel to Manchester United at Old Trafford on 30 August.
O’Neil believes Akpom is better prepared for the Premier League than he was last season. The manager said his fitness has improved and praised the work he did before returning for pre-season.
“He had an excellent summer,” O’Neil said, adding that Akpom had worked hard and had not missed a day of pre-season.
The manager also said it was a “shame” that Akpom did not score against Leicester because he has looked like a goal threat whenever he has played.
Akpom had a difficult 2025-26 season, with limited playing time, but O’Neil said the striker returned with “a real fresh energy” instead of allowing that experience to affect him.
Ipswich now face a major test at Old Trafford before hosting Liverpool at Portman Road. With Akpom already showing he can contribute without scoring, O’Neil must decide whether his physical style and improved fitness are enough to earn him his first Premier League start of the season
