Arsenal Ipswich match: Kai Havertz’s solitary goal lifts Arsenal to second in the premier league, but wastefulness and Saka’s absence highlights ongoing challenges

Arsenal edged a narrow 1-0 victory against Ipswich Town at the Emirates Stadium, thanks to a first-half goal from Kai Havertz, but the match left more questions than answers for Mikel Arteta’s side as they adapt to life without Bukayo Saka.

Havertz’s 23rd-minute strike came from a pinpoint cross by Leandro Trossard, marking the German midfielder’s seventh Premier League goal this season. His composed finish initially set the tone for what seemed poised to be a comfortable evening for the Gunners. Arsenal’s dominance on the pitch, however, failed to translate into a convincing scoreline.

The Gunners, now six points behind league leaders Liverpool, controlled possession and created multiple opportunities, but their profligacy in front of goal kept the 19th-placed visitors in the game until the final whistle. Gabriel Magalhaes squandered Arsenal’s clearest chance, heading a Declan Rice corner wide from close range. Captain Martin Odegaard and substitute Mikel Merino were both denied by Ipswich goalkeeper Arijanet Muric, whose heroics frustrated the home side.

Without Saka, who has been sidelined for over two months following hamstring surgery, Arteta deployed Gabriel Martinelli to the right wing. While Martinelli worked tirelessly, his impact fell short of the spark usually provided by Arsenal’s star winger. The lack of cutting-edge attacking play became apparent, and Arteta will need a solution to maintain their momentum in the title race.

Defensively, Arsenal remained solid, conceding just three shots, none of which troubled goalkeeper David Raya. William Saliba, named Player of the Match, was instrumental in keeping Ipswich’s attack at bay, showcasing composure and resilience at the heart of the defence.

Despite Ipswich’s lack of threat, their resilience in defence highlighted Arsenal’s inability to capitalise on dominance. With upcoming fixtures against Brentford and Brighton, Arteta must address these shortcomings to keep pace with Liverpool, whose relentless form continues to set the benchmark.

For Ipswich, the result reflected their precarious position in the league, but their disciplined performance offered a glimmer of hope in their fight for survival. Manager Kieran McKenna can take positives from their ability to restrict Arsenal to a single goal, even as they struggled to create meaningful chances themselves.

As Arsenal celebrates three valuable points, the team faces the reality of Saka’s absence and the challenges it brings. The victory, while essential, left fans with lingering concerns about their ability to sustain a title challenge without their talismanic winger.