Arsenal have risen to second in the Premier League table after Kai Havertz’s first-half strike handed the Gunners a crucial three points against Ipswich Town on Friday.
Mikel Arteta’s side, now without Bukayo Saka through a long-term hamstring injury, dominated possession in N5 but were visibly frustrated at times by a well-organised Ipswich outfit.
Havertz’s breakthrough in the 23rd minute proved vital, with only the German’s close-range finish separating the two sides come the full-time whistle.
Ipswich host Chelsea on New Year’s Eve, with Arsenal’s 2024 campaign now wrapped up. The Gunners visit Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium on New Year’s Day.
As it happened
Arsenal started well against a side that has long been earmarked as favourites for an immediate return to the EFL Championship, racking up almost 90% possession inside the opening ten minutes – but crucially failing to threaten Arijanet Muric in the early stages.
The Tractor Boys were defensively stubborn on a chilly night at the Emirates Stadium, though their back line was eventually penetrated in the 23rd minute as a Leandro Trossard delivery found Kai Havertz in a dangerous area. The German made no mistake with the finish, slotting home from four yards out.
Embed from Getty ImagesArsenal’s dominance of the ball continued after the opener, and Friday’s hosts looked to extend their lead when a teasing ball from Trossard send Gabriel Jesus through on goal – but while the Brazilian rippled the back of the net from a tight angle, the linesman’s flag was quickly raised for offside.
Ipswich emerged from the break as a side rejuvenated, though Liam Delap’s fight against a formidable centre-back pairing of Gabriel and William Saliba was one he’d ultimately lose.
Arsenal remain unbeaten at home in the Premier League this season and move to within six points of Liverpool at the top of the table – although Arne Slot’s side have a game in hand.
Ipswich, by contrast, remain in 19th with 12 points.
The lineups
ARS: Raya; Lewis-Skelly, Gabriel, Salima, Timber; Havertz, Rice, Ødegaard; Trossard, Jesus, Martinelli
IPS: Muric; David, Greaves, Woolfenden, O’Shea, Johnson; Szmodics, Cajuste, Phillips, Hutchinson; Delap
FEATURED IMAGE: Tom McAtee