Arsenal did not need the services of Bukayo Saka as they beat Ipswich to close the gap on Liverpool at the top of the Premier League on Friday night.
The Gunners recorded a comfortable 1-0 win over the Tractor Boys, dominating proceedings at the Emirates.
It was a classic case of attack vs defence for the most part in North London. Aside from an instant Ipswich chance, Arsenal kept their opponents at bay, drawing them in before playing around them and creating several chances.
The first half saw the Suffolk side camped in their own box, withstanding wave after wave from Mikel Arteta's men.
Their resilience lasted until the 23rd minute when Kai Havertz netted the opener, firing in from a Leandro Trossard cross on the left-hand side.
Arsenal thought they had a second in the 34th minute after Gabriel Jesus scored from an impossible angle, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
The second half was a much closer affair, with Ipswich coming out and having a go at the Gunners.
Declan Rice and Havertz both went close while Gabriel missed a sitter from point-blank range after getting on the end of a corner.
After a few changes from Arteta, the hosts regained total control in the latter stages and were more than deserving of the three points which will see them go six points behind leaders Liverpool.
GOAL rates Arsenal's players from the Emirates Stadium…
AFPGoalkeeper & Defence
David Raya (8/10):
Rarely had to touch the ball but was composed when he did have it at his feet, playing around the Ipswich press inside his own box.
Jurrien Timber (8/10):
Was aggressive going forward and added an extra man in attack for the Gunners as they looked to break down a deep Tractor Boys defence, had a couple of efforts well saved for good measure.
William Saliba (8/10):
Performed to his usual standard alongside Gabriel and was rarely called into defensive action at the Emirates.
Gabriel (8/10):
Proved to be a big threat from set pieces and found himself in the attacking third a few times as Arsenal asserted their dominance in North London.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (9/10):
Excelled at left-back and looked like a staple of Mikel Arteta's team. Proved once again why the Hale End Academy is one of the best in Europe.
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Martin Odegaard (7/10):
Showed a little bit of rust under the lights but still orchestrated most of Arsenal's attacks and ensured his side played at their usual tempo.
Declan Rice (7/10):
Aside from a few overhit diagonals, the England international was pretty tidy. He flashed a shot over the bar in the first half and swept up any chance Ipswich had of hitting the Gunners on the counter attack.
Kai Havertz (8/10):
Worked well back in a midfield role and played off the shoulder of Gabriel Jesus to good effect. Scored a well-deserved goal and proved why he is the club's top goalscorer this season.
AFPAttack
Gabriel Martinelli (7/10):
Covered in the right-hand side in the absence of Bukayo Saka and although he was not as effective as the Englishman, was still a handful for Leif Davis all night.
Gabriel Jesus (8/10):
Has been a revelation for Arsenal since returning to form and was unlucky to have a goal ruled out. Worked hard in both halves and helped lead the team to an important victory
Leandro Trossard (7/10):
Played the ball across the box for Havertz's goal and proved his worth in the starting XI.
AFPSubs & Manager
Mikel Merino (7/10):
Arteta introduced him to regain control of the match in the second half which the Spaniard did to good effect.
Thomas Partey (N/A):
Was used as fresh legs to replace Rice for the final few minutes.
Mikel Arteta (8/10):
Recognised that he needed to make changes at 1-0 in the second half and both substitutions had an impact as Arsenal held out for the win.
