Arsenal’s hopes of securing second place have been given a boost following their 4-0 win against Ipswich Town in the Premier League.
Fresh off the back of their impressive win against Real Madrid, Mikel Arteta’s side continued their good form at Portman Road, coming away with a comfortable victory.
Arsenal were dominant from minute one, with Leandro Trossard getting the Gunners in front early on in the 14th minute.
Arteta’s men were never really troubled from that point on, adding to their lead in the 29th minute through Gabriel Martinelli before Trossard and Ethan Nwaneri rounded off the win in the second half.
Winners from Arsenal’s clash with Ipswich
Ben White
Ben White’s injury issues have plagued the Arsenal backline this campaign, so Arteta would have no doubt been over the moon to see his defender back to his best.
With Saka alongside him on the right-hand side, White seemed rejuvenated linking up with his England compatriot.
He may not be ready for PSG yet, but the 27-year-old is definitely getting there.
Leandro Trossard
With Arteta deciding to move Mikel Merino back into midfield, Leandro Trossard was handed a chance up for the Gunners, and the Belgian wouldn’t disappoint.
The 30-year-old led the line well for Arsenal, with his clever movement giving the Ipswich backline all sorts of problems.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see Trossard lead the line more often after today.
Mikel Merino
Merino has earned praise for his performances at striker, but the Spaniard proved why people shouldn’t forget about his midfield talents versus Ipswich.
The former Real Sociedad bossed the midfield alongside Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice, even providing a clever assist for Martinelli’s goal.
With Thomas Partey suspended for the PSG clash, Merino has shown he is ready to step up to the plate.
Mikel Arteta
Still riding the wave from their Madrid heroics, Arsenal could have rested on their laurels against 18th-placed Ipswich – Arteta, however, didn’t let that happen.
The Gunners boss got his selection absolutely spot on at Portman Road, resting the likes of Myles Lewis-Skelly and Partey, handing some vital minutes to White and Oleksandr Zinchenko in defence.
Martin Odegaard
Martin Odegaard has been criticised by fans on a number of occasions this season, but the Norwegian was back to his creative best against the Tractor Boys.
The Ipswich midfield failed to deal with the 26-year-old’s clever movement, with Odegaard getting joy in between the half spaces.
If the midfielder can replicate displays like that more often, he could have a huge say in Arsenal’s Champions League chances.
Losers from Arsenal’s clash with Ipswich
Bukayo Saka
It is hard to pick a loser in a 4-0 win, but the only negative from Portman Road would have to be Bukayo Saka.
The 26-year-old cannot be regarded as a ‘loser’ for his performance; it was more what happened off the pitch that will worry Arsenal fans.
That is because after being substituted, Saka was seen receiving treatment from the Arsenal physio, getting ice strapped to his Achilles.
With a season-defining semi-final clash against PSG on its way, Arteta and co will be praying Saka’s knock isn’t serious.
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