Arsenal proved they can win Premier League games without Bukayo Saka as Mikel Arteta’s side beat Ipswich Town 1-0 at Emirates Stadium. Gabriel Martinelli came into the Gunners’ starting XI for the injured Saka, with Declan Rice also fit enough to feature from the off, which saw him replace Thomas Partey.
Despite having a great chance in the opening minute, the visitors spent the majority of the first 30 minutes in their own half. Kai Havertz made that early pressure count as he turned home a Leandro Trossard cross from just a few yards out.
The following half an hour saw Arsenal remain in control but with minimal conviction until Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice and Mikel Merino all had efforts saved by Arijanet Muric. While the Gunners were unable to find that elusive second, another three points saw them respond perfectly to Liverpool’s 3-1 Boxing Day win over Leicester.
Though Christmas is behind us, the busy fixture schedule continues with Arsenal, Chelsea and the Reds all having difficult fixtures in the next few weeks amid their Premier League title battle.
Arsenal’s next five Premier League games
January 1 vs Brentford (A) at 5.30pm – Premier League
January 4 vs Brighton (A) at 5.30pm – Premier League
January 15 vs Tottenham (H) at 8pm – Premier League
January 18 vs Aston Villa (H) at 5.30pm – Premier League
January 25 vs Wolves (A) at 3pm – Premier League
