Arsenal 1-0 Ipswich: Player Ratings as Kai Havertz's goal takes the Gunners up to second place after narrow win | Premier League 2024-25

Arsenal secured a narrow 1-0 win against Ipswich Town in the Premier League at the Emirates Stadium on Friday, November 27. The result sees the Gunners leapfrog Chelsea and Nottingham Forest and move up to second, while Town remain 19th in the table.

Arsenal made a dominant start to the game and did now give Ipswich an inch in the first half as they kept the ball for extended spells. However, this did not translate into smooth attacking moves at first, with the Gunners struggling to penetrate the visitors' box. However, a smart passing combination created an opening midway through the first period to give the hosts the lead.

Leandro Trossard was at the end of the cross as he played a perfect pass to Kai Havertz at the far post. The German smashed the ball into the net with ease to make it 1-0. Arsenal attempted another shot in the first half but failed to trouble Arijanet Muric in goal. Meanwhile, Ipswich failed to hit the target in the first half as they trailed by a narrow one-goal margin.

The second half saw Arsenal and Ipswich share the ball nearly equally, after the hosts had kept a staggering 84% possession in the first half. However, this approach did not necessarily bear fruit for the visitors, who failed to hit the target once again in the second half. They created a few half-chances but were neutralized very well by the Gunners.

Arsenal, on the other hand, attempted nine shots, with three of those on target. Their forwards came into their own and played with a great rhythm, leaving Ipswich frozen to their spots for a while. The hosts' defenders had a great game as well, preventing Ipswich from making inroads. Jurrien Timber and William Saliba in particular had great defensive displays.

The Gunners held on and secured a narrow 1-0 win against Ipswich to end 2024 on a winning note. On that note, let's take a look at their player ratings.

Arsenal Player Ratings

David Raya - 7/10

Raya did not have to make a single save, except the first-minute scare, and kept a simple clean sheet for Arsenal.

Jurrien Timber - 8/10

Timber had a great game in defence and was the best player on the pitch. He won nine duels, making two interceptions and one clearance. He also completed two dribbles.

William Saliba - 7.5/10

Saliba put in a decent performance as he won four duels, making two clearances and one interception. He also played two key passes.

Gabriel Magalhaes - 7.5/10

Gabriel was solid at the back as he won five of six duels, making five clearances and two tackles. He also played one key pass and also missed a big chance to score.

Myles Lewis-Skelly - 8/10

He had a great game as he won nine duels, making three tackles and two clearances. He also played two key passes and completed two dribbles.

Martin Odegaard - 7.5/10

The Arsenal captain had a good game for his team, passing the ball with 84% and playing two key passes in the process. He also won two duels and made one interception.

Declan Rice - 7.5/10

Rice passed the ball with 95% accuracy, including one key pass and two accurate crosses. He also won three duels, making two interceptions and one clearance as well.

Kai Havertz - 7.5/10

Havertz scored the only goal of the game with a good finish from close-range. He also played one key pass, won two duels and received a yellow card as well.

Gabriel Martinelli - 6.5/10

Martinelli started the game in unfamiliar territory on the right flank and could not make much of an impact on the match.

Gabriel Jesus - 6/10

Jesus started the game after scoring five goals in his last two matches, but failed to even attempt a shot on target in this one.

Leandro Trossard - 7.5/10

Trossard had a good game as he provided an assist for Arsenal's only goal. He played one other key pass, won four duels and also made three tackles.

Substitutes

Mikel Merino - 6.5/10

He replaced Jesus in the second half but failed to make an impact on the proceedings.

Thomas Partey - N/A

He came on late in the match and played less than 10 minutes, hence does not warrant a rating.

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