EPL: Arsenal Edge Past Ipswich To Go Second
Arsenal kicked off life without Bukayo Saka with a 1-0 victory against Ipswich Town on Friday, moving into second place in the Premier League and narrowing Liverpool’s lead to six points.
With Saka sidelined for several weeks due to a hamstring injury, manager Mikel Arteta started Gabriel Martinelli in his place, while Gabriel Jesus continued his role up front after scoring five goals in the last two matches.
Despite dominating possession, Arsenal struggled to find the net until the 23rd minute, when Kai Havertz scored from a low cross by Leandro Trossard, marking his 12th goal of the season. The goal provided relief after a frustrating 0-0 draw against Everton in their previous game.
As the match continued, Arsenal’s inability to extend their lead became evident. Jesus had a goal disallowed for offside and Gabriel Magalhaes hit the post from a corner.
Ipswich, fighting to avoid relegation, pushed forward in the second half. Arsenal’s Martin Ødegaard briefly worried fans when he went down but quickly recovered, creating a chance that was saved by Ipswich’s goalkeeper, Arijanet Muric.
Despite a few late scares, Arsenal held on for the win, leapfrogging Nottingham Forest and Chelsea in the standings. Ipswich remained second from bottom, three points from safety.
