Havertz Goal Propels Arsenal to Second Place as Ipswich Falls Short

Kai Havertz’s decisive strike secures Arsenal’s climb to second place in the league, overshadowing Ipswich in a thrilling encounter.

Kai Havertz netted the lone goal, leading Arsenal to victory over a resilient Ipswich Town team and advancing them to second place in the Premier League.

The hosts secured victory in the 23rd minute when Leandro Trossard collected the ball on the left edge of the penalty area and delivered a cross to Havertz, who tapped it in from close range.

Arsenal controlled the game with 83.5% possession in the first half, while Kieran McKenna’s team mostly stayed in their own half, aiming to frustrate them.

Declan Rice sent a curling shot over the bar from the edge of the box. Gabriel Jesus then appeared to double their lead by slotting the ball through Arijanet Muric’s legs, but his goal was disallowed due to an offside call.

Second-bottom Ipswich began the second half with increased determination, but Liam Delap struggled to find success against center-backs William Saliba and Gabriel.

Gabriel from Brazil had an opportunity to put the Gunners in a more secure position, but inexplicably missed the target with a header from within the six-yard box.

Havertz missed a promising chance for a second goal when he failed to make clean contact after Trossard’s header.

With their victory, Arsenal closed the gap to six points behind leaders Liverpool, who still have a game in hand. Mikel Arteta’s team also ended the year as the only Premier League club yet to be defeated at home.