Mikel Arteta just joined Arsene Wenger in Arsenal history by matching remarkable 17-year feat

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal end 2024 in second place after collecting three points from Ipswich Town at the Emirates.

Mikel Arteta’s side got the job done in N5 in front of a home crowd, in what was a rather lacklustre display.

For all of Arsenal’s dominance, the Gunners only scored once, as Kai Havertz converted the match-winner during the first half.

Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Ipswich sent the North Londoners up to second in the Premier League table, sitting six points below league leaders Liverpool.

• READ MORE: Myles Lewis-Skelly impresses again as Brazilian misses sitter – Arsenal player ratings vs Ipswich

Arsenal record best calendar month after Ipswich win

Despite the contest being mundane, Arsenal recorded their fourth consecutive clean sheet at home.

It was the first time in three years that the Gunners had achieved four consecutive Premier League clean sheets at the Emirates but, it wasn’t the only feat completed on the night.

That’s because by winning the game, Arteta’s side rounded off December unbeaten in all competitions, playing seven, winning five and drawing twice.

The last time such success was identified in a calendar month was back in January 2007, when Arsene Wenger led his squad to go eight games unbeaten (P7, W5, D2).

It’s taken 17 years for Wenger’s calendar month record to be matched, with Arteta taking Arsenal unbeaten through an action-packed December.

The seven games in December saw Arsenal progress in the EFL Cup as well as take steps in the Champions League, beating Crystal Palace and AS Monaco respectively.

Unbeaten December clouded by points dropped

While Arsenal’s progress in the cup competitions is positive, Arteta will still emerge from December’s action feeling unsatisfied. 

The unbeaten run included two draws, coming back-to-back in the Premier League as the Gunners failed to beat Fulham away and then Everton at the Emirates.

The two games kept Liverpool six points ahead of Arsenal, who had the opportunity to catch up with the Reds in the month, who dropped points twice.

Will the draws come back to haunt Arteta? Only time will tell as the Premier League title race continues to take shape.