Thierno Barry decided a close-fought contest that turned decisively in Everton's favour when Abdul Fatawu was sent off for simulation, his second bookable offence, in the 67th minute. Barry had earlier had a second goal ruled out after an offside Brennan Johnson was deemed to have interfered with Ipswich goalkeeper Christian Walton's ability to save a ball he made no attempt to save and was nowhere near saving. Unlike the Manchester derby, however, referee Stuart Attwell's decision would not prove decisive.
Everton started brightly and should have opened the scoring when Armstrong pierced the visitors' defence to find Brennan Johnson. The Wales international spun away neatly from Issa Diop to give himself a clear sight of Christian Walton's goal, only to drag a poor shot wide. Moments earlier, from the third minute, there had been a moving ovation from both sets of supporters in memory of Noah Woods, the three-year-old from Suffolk who went missing on Tuesday.
Abdul Fatawu was a persistent threat down Ipswich's right flank, making his self-inflicted dismissal all the more galling for O'Neil as his team chased an equaliser. The Ghana international forced a fine save from Pickford after Everton made a hash of clearing his corner and attempted to beat the England goalkeeper from inside his own half having intercepted a cross-field pass by Tarkowski.
Everton will look to build on this result as they head into the international break, with their next match against a yet to be confirmed opponent.