Arsenal started a fresh chapter without star winger Bukayo Saka, narrowly defeating Ipswich Town at Emirates Stadium on Friday. With the Gunners in second position in the Premier League, the victory reduced Liverpool’s advantage to six points.
Havertz Seal the Win
In the 23rd minute Kai Havertz scored the pivotal goal, deftly finishing a low cross from Leandro Trossard into the net. After controlling possession but failing to generate clear-cut opportunities, this represented Havertz’s 12th goal of the season and gave Arsenal the breakthrough they sorely needed.
Arsenal lacked crisp finishing, a problem that would impede their quest of a first league title in more than two decades even with their domination. While Gabriel Magalhaes smacked the post from close range, Gabriel Jesus had a goal disallowed for offside.
The tweaks Arteta makes pay off.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta sent Gabriel Martinelli in Saka’s normal wide-right position as Bukayo Saka was sidelined owing to a hamstring ailment that may keep him out until March. Having had a strong run of form and scored five goals in his last two games, Gabriel Jesus headed the line.
“Frustration when you win,” Arteta said, happy with the team’s performance. Not one. Things yet to be worked on? Indeed. Credit them for their excellent organization; we limited them to nothing.
Arsenal produced more chances to widen their advantage as Ipswich got more aggressive in the second half. Returning from an early injury scare, Captain Martin Ødegaard stunned the fans with a weaving move and a strong shot that Ipswich goalkeeper Arijanet Muric deflected over.
Declan Rice and Mikel Merino both came close; Havertz lost a good chance for his second goal. While Arsenal’s defense tightened to guarantee the three points, Muric’s heroics kept Ipswich in the game.
Implications for the Premier League
The triumph let Arsenal jump Nottingham Forest and Chelsea into second place. Ipswich is in relegation danger, being second from bottom and three points short of safety.
A goalless draw at Brentford let Brighton & Hove Albion squander the opportunity to cut the top five gap. Brighton extended their run without success to six games, despite controlling possession. With just their second away point of the season, Brentford ascended to 11th position, surpassing Tottenham Hotspur.
If Arsenal wants to keep their championship challenge intact, they will have to deal with their problems in front of goal. Every point will count as the season moves forward as Liverpool is leading at the top.
