Arsenal played out their final Premier League fixture of 2024 against Ipswich Town at the Emirates Stadium on Friday night.
With Bukayo Saka sidelined with injury, the Gunners went into this game knowing that their talismanic winger would be absent.
Mikel Arteta gave Gabriel Martinelli the nod on the right flank in Saka’s place, with Leandro Trossard coming into the starting XI on the left wing. Meanwhile, the resurgent Gabriel Jesus was allowed to lead the line once again.
The Gunners absolutely dominated the first half, but were only able to take a 1-0 lead into the break, after Kai Havertz tapped the hosts ahead from close range.
Arsenal were less adventurous after the break, and a touch sloppy at times, but never really looked to be in danger of dropping points.
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Arsenal player ratings vs Ipswich Town
David Raya – 6
Perhaps his easiest outing in an Arsenal shirt, the Spanish coach was scarcely tested between the sticks.
Jurrien Timber – 7
Jurrien Timber caught the eye with one surging forward run in the first half, as he drove through the heart of the Ipswich team. The Dutchman is looking more assured and comfortable at right-back with each passing game.
William Saliba – 6
A game spent in cruise control for the French centre-back.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 6
Like William Saliba alongside him, Gabriel Magalhaes was comfortable throughout. However, the Brazilian defender ought to have added a second goal when he connected with a corner in the second half. Gabriel will likely still be wondering how he managed to miss such a sitter.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7
Handed another Premier League start at left-back, Myles Lewis-Skelly once again impressed. The teenager engaged in physical battles, clashing with Liam Delap at times, and showed that he can compete physically at this level.
Declan Rice – 8
The dominant force in the middle of the park, especially in the first half. Declan Rice consistently had the beating of his one-time England midfield partner Kalvin Phillips.
Martin Odegaard – 7
Martin Odegaard produced some eye-catching skill and constantly tried to make things happen, but either his final ball was a little lacking or fortune wasn’t on his side.
Kai Havertz – 7
Arteta believes Havertz can replace Saka on the right wing, but the German also proved that he can make a real impact when deployed as part of the midfield trio. An intelligent run from deep was rewarded as he struck the crucial first half goal.
Gabriel Martinelli – 6
Martinelli impressed on the right wing after replacing Saka against Crystal Palace, and was once again deployed in that role by Arteta this evening. A quiet showing from the Brazilian who worked hard but was well marshalled by the visitors.
Leandro Trossard – 7
Trossard did really good work on the left to assist the opening goal, and generally performed well throughout.
Gabriel Jesus – 6
A bright showing from the Brazilian striker, who found the back of the net with a cute finish from a tight angle in the first half, only for the effort to be ruled out for a marginal offside.
Substitutes
Mikel Merino – 6
Thomas Partey – 6
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