Arsenal secure 1-0 win over Ipswich, move to second spot in EPL

Arsenal secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Ipswich Town on Friday, climbing to second place in the Premier League and reducing Liverpool’s lead to six points.

Despite their dominance, the Gunners struggled to convert chances, with Kai Havertz’s solitary goal proving decisive.

Mikel Arteta’s side capitalized on Chelsea’s unexpected 2-1 loss to Fulham a day earlier to establish themselves as Liverpool’s primary challengers.

However, Arsenal’s lack of a reliable goalscorer raises concerns about their ability to clinch a first league title in over two decades.

The match marked Arsenal’s first without Bukayo Saka, who faces an extended spell on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury sustained in the 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace last weekend.

Arteta described the winger’s absence as lasting “many weeks,” with reports suggesting he could be out until March.

In Saka’s absence, Gabriel Martinelli took up the right-wing position, while Gabriel Jesus continued his impressive form up front, having scored five goals in Arsenal’s previous two matches.

While the win was crucial, Arsenal’s lack of cutting-edge finishing remains a concern as they push for Premier League glory.

The home side were dominant in possession but had few clear-cut chances to show for it until the final quarter.

Arsenal were frustrated by Everton in a 0-0 draw in their last league game at the Emirates so there was relief when Havertz broke the deadlock on 23 minutes.

The German prodded high into the net from Leandro Trossard’s low cross for his 12th goal of the season.

Jesus did find the net once more with a cheeky finish between the legs of Arijanet Muric from an almost impossible angle, but was flagged offside.

Arsenal’s prowess from set-pieces has been well-documented and they should have added to their goals from corners this season.

Gabriel Magalhaes headed against the outside of the post from point-blank range when it seemed easier to score.

As Ipswich’s ambition grew as the second half wore on, so the chances at the other end began to flow.

Martin Odegaard had given the home crowd a scare by going down holding the left ankle that saw him sidelined by injury for two months earlier in the campaign.

The Arsenal captain, though, was quickly back on his feet and weaving his way through the Ipswich defence with a mazy run and powerful strike that Muric tipped over.

From the resulting corner, Declan Rice’s powerful shot was blocked by Dara O’Shea.

Havertz then wasted a glorious chance for his second and Muric saved once more from Mikel Merino to ensure a nervy ending.

But Arsenal held out to leapfrog Nottingham Forest and Chelsea into second.

Ipswich remain second from bottom, three points adrift of safety.

Brighton missed the chance to move within one point of the top five as their poor run continued in a 0-0 draw at home to Brentford.

The Seagulls are now winless in their past six games but they two remain two points above their opponents.

Brentford had the ball in the net early on through Yoane Wissa but the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR check.

Just Brentford’s second point away from home all season is enough to edge the Bees ahead of Tottenham into 11th.