Arsenal began their Premier League journey without star winger Bukayo Saka on a winning note, defeating Ipswich 1-0 at the Emirates on Friday. Kai Havertz netted the decisive goal, securing the Gunners a move to second place and cutting Liverpool’s lead to six points.
Despite dominating possession, Arsenal’s inability to convert chances into a more comfortable scoreline highlighted their need for a clinical finisher, a potential barrier to ending their 20-year title drought.
Saka’s absence in the Premier League due to a hamstring injury—potentially sidelining him until March—prompted manager Mikel Arteta to deploy Gabriel Martinelli in Saka’s usual right-wing role and retain Gabriel Jesus as the central striker.
Havertz delivered the breakthrough in the 23rd minute of the Premier League match, slotting Leandro Trossard’s low cross high into the net for his 12th goal of the season. Jesus later found the net with a clever finish, but it was ruled offside.
Arsenal’s set-piece strength nearly yielded more, but Gabriel Magalhaes struck the post from close range, and Ipswich’s defense thwarted multiple attempts, including a powerful Declan Rice strike.
Despite a nervy second half and missed opportunities, Arsenal held firm to leapfrog Nottingham Forest and Chelsea into second. Ipswich remain in relegation trouble, sitting second from bottom.
In another fixture, Brighton’s struggles continued with a 0-0 draw against Brentford, extending their winless streak to six games. Brentford’s away woes persist but the draw lifts them to 11th, one point above Tottenham.
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