Arsenal vs Ipswich LIVE: Premier League result and reaction as Kai Havertz goal earns three points
Arsenal 1-0 Ipswich: The German’s first-half goal was enough to Mikel Arteta’s side to end 2024 with a win
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Your support makes all the difference.Arsenal climbed to second in the Premier League as they overcame a defensively-strong Ipswich at the Emirates Stadium.
An early goal from Kai Havertz, converting a fizzed cross from Leandro Trossard, proved enough for the hosts to re-take their place as Liverpool’s closest chasers after a 1-0 win. Mikel Arteta’s side were far from their fluent best against a tightly-packed visiting side, though were seldom troubled as Ipswich struggled to escape their own end.
Trossard had been brought into the starting line-up for the first game after Bukayo Saka suffered a hamstring injury that will sideline the Arsenal star for several weeks. Arteta could have done with Saka’s spark, with clear chances relatively few and far between even if Gabriel should have added a second from a corner routine in the second half. Ipswich’s best opening came in the first 30 seconds, though Sammie Szmodics could not make contact with a bouncing ball. They remain 19th.
Re-live all of the action from the Emirates below:
Arsenal overcome battling Ipswich as Kai Havertz proves worth again
Arsenal moved into second place in the Premier League table with a 1-0 win over Ipswich at the Emirates.
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.
Arsenal overcome battling Ipswich as Kai Havertz proves worth again
Arsenal 1-0 Ipswich: The visitors seldom threatened as Havertz’s goal lifted Mikel Arteta’s side into second
Match-winner Kai Havertz speaks to Amazon Prime
“Three points at home is nice. They are tough to break down. We controlled the game quite well and should have scored a couple more goals, but three points is nice. The Premier League is so tough, every team is tough to break down. They fight for each other but we are very proud of the win.
“Leandro Trossard is an amazing football player. It’s fun to play with him. He likes to take people on and it was a good goal. I like to play different roles sometimes. I try to help the team in every game. Bukayo is a massive player for us, and everyone has to step up because we know he is important. We are ready for the challenge. We have to adapt.”
FT: Arsenal 1-0 Ipswich
A game to rather sum up this period between Christmas and New Year, lacking in intensity, direction and form. It wasn’t a riveting watch with Ipswich sat deep and so seldom able to trouble an Arsenal side that never got out of about second gear. Three more points for Mikel Arteta’s men, and a game to be tossed away with the wrapping paper.
Arsenal 1-0 Ipswich, 90 + 4 minutes
A late chance for Nathan Broadhead, who manufactures a shooting opportunity but fires against Kai Havertz. That’ll be that.
Arsenal 1-0 Ipswich, 90 + 3 minutes
Mikel Arteta doesn’t look particularly nervy on the touchline even with the lead slender, the fight seemingly having gone from Ipswich as time ticks away.
Arsenal 1-0 Ipswich, 90 + 1 minutes
Luke Woolfenden is replaced by Arsenal academy product Harry Clarke as Ipswich make their final change.
Arsenal 1-0 Ipswich, 90 minutes
Come on then, Ipswich, let’s have a final offensive or two in these closing moments. For the first time all match, they’ve forced Arsenal to raise the rampats inside their own box...but Omari Hutchinson’s cross is much too close to David Raya, who collects above his head.
Four minutes added on.
Arsenal 1-0 Ipswich, 88 minutes
A touch too tentative from Leif Davis, arriving with speed on to a pass but neither crossing nor shooting. Instead, he tries to take a touch past Jurrien Timber, to no avail.
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