The dreaded Bukayo Saka update was always coming, but so soon after a win? Come on, Mikel. Let us down gently.
We’re going to be without our leading light for a very long time, and his absence only increases the significance of performances/victories such as Friday night’s over the Tractor Boys. We’ve got to stay in this title race for as long as we can.
Arsenal hardly sparkled to wrap up 2024, but the performance as a collective was measured and there were several standout performers. There were three who caught the eye.
1.Kai Havertz
Havertz has come in for some criticism over the past month, and his performance at the weekend didn’t exactly instil much confidence that a return to a midfield function would pay dividends moving forward.
However, Arteta stuck with the German in the middle of the park and Havertz produced in best performance in quite some time.
He crashed the box and tapped home the game’s only goal which was, of course, crucial, but his performance was impressive for reasons transcending his tap-in.
Havertz was here, there and everywhere. His tendency to float and pick gaps within the defensive structure allowed him to combine and drag Ipswich defenders away from their preferred defensive zones. He also helped Arsenal get up the pitch by winning aerial duels, but was intent on denying the visitors any time to breath immediately after possession was lost.
2.Myles Lewis-Skelly
We were all getting caught up in Ethan Nwaneri fever, but Arsenal had another ready-made Hale End graduate waiting in the wings. Lewis-Skelly started again on Friday night with Riccardo Calafiori failing to get off the bench – a testament to the teenager’s form since coming into Arteta’s XI.
On Friday, Lewis-Skelly showed tons of personality when inverting infield from left-back. He always showed for and wanted the ball, with his steely frame allowing him to resist and roll challenges which opened up Ipswich’s press.
3.Declan Rice
was initally frustrated with Rice on Friday, but after sound kip I’ve awoken with an alternate view.
Sure, Rice could’ve been braver with the ball at times and he perhaps needs to take more creative responsibility in these sorts of games given the position he occupied on the pitch. However, sustained pressure is the ideal for Arteta, which means retention and circulation are paramount.
