Gunners edge victory against battling Ipswich

Arsenal moved into second place in the Premier League table with a 1-0 win over Ipswich at the Emirates.

- PHILIP DUNCAN

In their final fixture of 2024, Kai Havertz scored the only goal of the game midway through the opening period.

Arsenal’s victory takes them back to within six points of leaders Liverpool, having played one match more than the Reds, and a point clear of Chelsea following their Boxing Day defeat to Fulham.

Ipswich, although much improved in the second half, have now lost five of their last six games, and remain just one place off the bottom of the table, three points away from safety.

Mikel Arteta’s men have been rocked by Bukayo Saka’s hamstring injury which could keep the England winger, who has nine goals and 13 assists this season, out of action for the next two months.

Gabriel Martinelli was handed the unenviable task of filling Saka’s shoes on Arsenal’s right-hand side and the Brazilian was involved in the only goal of the evening.