Kai Havertz’s first half goal proved the difference as Arsenal round out 1-0 winners over Ipswich at Emirates Stadium.
With Bukayo Saka sidelined for at least two months with a hamstring injury, Gabriel Martinelli took the place of Arsenal’s number seven on the right-wing. Leandro Trossard started on the left and the in-form Gabriel Jesus lead the line, with Kai Havertz resuming his place in midfield. Declan Rice also returned to the XI.
The game started slowly, but almost all of the action was played within the Ipswich half with Arsenal dominating the ball. Jurrien Timber had Arsenal’s best chance from the edge of the area as the Dutchman’s shot was held by Ipswich goalkeeper Arijanet Muric.
And the Gunners would get a reward for their domaine midway through the first period, with a deep cross landing to Trossard at the back post, the Belgian beat his man to the byline and his cross was turned home by Havertz to give the Gunners the lead.
That lead could have been doubled soon after, as a powerful long-distance strike from Declan Rice flew narrowly over the crossbar. Mikel Arteta’s side did have the ball in the net for a second time, however Jesus was ruled offside in the build-up.
The second half didn’t see too many clear cut chances, Arsenal remained imperious at the back and didn’t allow their opponents a single shot on target throughout the evening. Gabriel should have made it two with a header at the back post from a Rice corner, Martin Odegaard also fired over from inside the area following a great run.
Substitute Mikel Merino found himself with an opening to strike and hit his shot on target, but it was comfortably stopped by Muric. The Spaniard’s effort proved to be the last real chance of the game as the referee brought the game to a close.
The win sees Arsenal move up to 2nd, ahead of a tough away trip to Brentford.
Player Ratings:
David Raya: 6 – Nothing to do
Jurrien Timber: 7 – Drove Arsenal forward at times and solid defensively
William Saliba: 7 – Didn’t give Delap a sniff
Gabriel: 7 – Solid, should have scored though
Myles Lewis-Skelly: 8 Excellent on the ball and solid at the back
Declan Rice: 7 – Played in the 6 and did a good job
Martin Odegaard: 7 – Dictated well
Kai Havertz: 7 – Tidy all evening and scored the only goal
Gabriel Martinelli: 6 – Ok on the right, played a number of good crosses
Gabriel Jesus: 6 – Worked hard but wasn’t seen too much in front of goal
Leandro Trossard: 7 – Looked Arsenal’s most dangerous attacker and got the key assist