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Arsenal resurrect title challenge on sturdy defence despite misfiring attack in nervy win

kieran crichard
·31-min read
No Saka, no problem for Arsenal as they close gap to Liverpool
Kai Havertz’s first half goal was enough for Arsenal to take all three points - PA/John Walton

The inspiration of Bukayo Saka will be unavailable to Arsenal for quite some time as the Premier League title race hits its halfway point but there remains the reassurance that the back door is locked for now, and games can be won by the slenderest margins if necessary.

This was the fourth successive clean sheet at the Emirates in the Premier League, and Arsenal have not conceded at home in the competition since Mohamed Salah’s 81st minute equaliser for Liverpool on Oct 27. This was the first game that Arsenal have started without Saka – and there will be many more to come. Afterwards Mikel Arteta would say that the star of his team could miss as much as two months following surgery on the hamstring injury that he sustained six days earlier.

Without Saka, it was a first-half goal from the team’s top goalscorer this season, Kai Havertz, his 12th so far, which was enough to win it. There are many more sides to pull apart in the weeks to come although it will be a lot easier with the kind of defensive stability that Arteta’s players demonstrated last night.

The seventh shutout of the season means that Arsenal are up to second in the Premier League – not as close to Liverpool as they might wish to be but certainly the best of the rest. It has been a strange first half of the season that concludes against Brentford on Wednesday – and at times it looked like it might be Arsenal who would be the title challengers who fell away. Yet that has become – unexpectedly, remarkably – Manchester City whose form has dropped off a cliff.

Since the end of October, Arsenal have lost two games in all competitions. City have lost nine. The fate of the title is in the hands of Liverpool, Arteta said later, who could be nine points clear if they win that postponed Merseyside derby at Goodison Park. But he added that there was still a role for Arsenal to play. “We have to be like a hammer,” he said of his own players, and the pressure he expected them to maintain on the league leaders.

Yet there was no doubt that the Saka absence makes this a very good Christmas for Liverpool. Arsenal are a different team without him. On this occasion Arteta selected Havertz and Martin Odegaard behind Gabriel Jesus, his hot-streak striker. What came next was a long, hard evening against an opponent who came to play without the ball, seize what they could on the counter-attack and try to stay within the game until the end. In that respect Ipswich Town were successful, and Arsenal never found the second goal that would have made it easy.

Instead they hung on to the end in front of an anxious home crowd. There was a strength to that, too. Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich side did not have a shot worthy of the name – even though they tried to find another gear in the later part of the game to challenge Arsenal.

From McKenna’s team there was just not enough of a threat. In the second half, his wing-backs Ben Johnson and Leif Davis pushed higher and there were a few more moments when they broke the Arsenal lines in midfield. They certainly played well enough to ensure that they did not crumble under the pressure that Arsenal can generate.

Arsenal close gap to Liverpool as defensive strength provides foundation for win
Leif Davis defended well against Gabriel Martinelli - Getty Images/David Price

Declan Rice said that the Ipswich strategy had become a familiar story at the Emirates. “I think it has been a constant thing for us, dominating games but teams have been coming here with a low block,” he told Amazon Prime. “It is tough to break down a 5-4-1 [formation]. Second half, I feel we could have had one or two more. Luckily enough in the end it was an important win.”

Ipswich had worked hard on combating the set-pieces from which Arteta’s side have profited so regularly this season. When defending corners the lone striker in a blue shirt, Ipswich’s No  19 Liam Delap, threw his arms around Gabriel Magalhaes, stepped on his toes and walked a very fine line in trying to block the runs of the Arsenal centre-half. Although in the end, the home side found a way through.

That would have been a blow for McKenna who would have anticipated the many ways in which Arsenal might have scored – although of all of them this one was among the more preventable.

First a cross from Gabriel Martinelli on the right, recycled by Leandro Trossard on the left who just got a step ahead of Johnson. His cross was not impossible to reach for the defenders in the box. Legs were jabbed in the direction of the ball. Luke Woolfenden and Jacob Greaves both almost got there but it fell very gently for Havertz in the centre to direct it home.

10:44 PM GMT

More from Arteta, speaking to the BBC

“It was what it was. In the first half especially we were super dominant and should have scored more chances. The second half we did not start great and credit to them, they were tough to break down and are well organised.”

On how players stepped up without injured Bukayo Saka:

“Very good. It will be different. We had moments in the second half. It is a unit that is new and will take time for players to understand fully.”

On the title race:

“Considering all the circumstances we had this season, the amount of times we had to play with 10 men, all the injuries that we had, it is good to be in the position that we are but it is not where we want to be. We want to be first.”

10:43 PM GMT

The thoughts of Mikel Arteta

“Frustration when you win? No. Things to improve? Yes. They started very significantly and we have to get used to that. Credit to them as they are very well organised, but we restricted them to nothing - we had two or three openings.”

On Myles Lewis-Skelly: 

“He is a special character. He is well ahead of his age and then he has qualities where he adapts to the way that we are playing. Credit to him.”

On having Christmas Day off: 

“For many years I have not had a chance to open the presents and it was special.”

On playing without Bukayo Saka: 

“Very different we will evolve that. In the second half I liked it more. It will take a bit of time.”

On the January transfer window: 

“We do not know. We will see, hopefully we do not see any more injuries.”

10:38 PM GMT

Post-match views from Kieran McKenna

“It was a difficult first 20 minutes, we got pinned in by a good side. We grew into the game well and turned a bit of momentum at the end of the first half and got into some good positions in the second half.

“There were a few situations late in the game where we could have shown more belief but we were too hesitant. It was important that we ended the game solid and feel we can be compact. We will take confidence from that. The way we turned momentum to put the game in a good position for us, I think is something to take confidence from.”

On Kalvin Phillips:

“He had a good run of games early in the season and then has been working his way back from injury and did well.”

10:34 PM GMT

Goalscorer Havertz on X

10:32 PM GMT

The thoughts of Kalvin Phillips

“Arsenal are very good team and they had a lot of the ball, created a few chances. We created a few in the second half but we just need that extra bit of special play at the end.

“It is always difficult coming to Arsenal and we did not have much to lose a 1-0 so we came out and tried to force them into mistakes in the second half.”

On a first start since October:

“I did alright. I was blowing towards the end. It was nice to be back playing. We have got a good group, coach and staff. They keep us fit even when we are not playing.”

On Arsenal:

“They are a really good team, really strong. I think Liverpool are the standout team so far but I think Arsenal are the ones who will push them in the end.”

On targets for 2025:

“Just to play as many games as possible. I am at my best when I am playing week in week out. When you join a team like Man City, it is tough to not be involved but you have to stay strong. I have got a coach who believes in me here and trusts me to go and perform.”

10:30 PM GMT

Declan Rice speaking to Amazon Prime

“Tonight was different without Bukayo [Saka] – he has been our main man. We are going to have to adapt. It is a great chance for players to step up over the coming months and make their mark.

“I had a slow start after the Euros but the last couple of weeks I have found my feet again and I am feeling back to myself.

“Hopefully the new year brings trophies – we have been pushing for that. To make the next step to be amongst the elite, you have to win stuff. We can keep winning games but it means nothing if you do not win nothing.

“Liverpool are full throttle, they were under Klopp and now under Slot. They do not let anyone breathe. We need someone to help us out so they can drop points as we can only focus on ourselves and hopefully something can happen.”

10:27 PM GMT

Ipswich did not challenge Arsenal’s goal much tonight

10:25 PM GMT

Clean sheet for the hosts

10:21 PM GMT

Boxing Day/ 27th results

Yesterday:

Manchester City 1-1 Everton

Nottingham Forest 1-0 Tottenham

Chelsea 1-2 Fulham

Bournemouth 0-0 Crystal Palace

Newcastle 3-0 Aston Villa

Southampton 0-1 West Ham

Wolves 2-0 Manchester United

Liverpool 3-1 Leicester

Tonight:

Brighton 0-0 Brentford

Arsenal 1-0 Ipswich

10:18 PM GMT

The thoughts of Kai Havertz

“Three points at home is nice. Tough opponent, who were hard to break down. We controlled the game quite well and we probably should have scored a few more. The Premier League is so tough. At the end we are very proud for the win. Leandro [Trossard] is an amazing player and fun to play with him. It was a good goal. I am used to playing different roles. It is fun anywhere I play.

“Bukayo [Saka] is a massive player so everyone has to step up and we are ready for the challenge. The fans are massive for us and home games are massive. Every minute we are all together as a club.

10:15 PM GMT

Four straight home clean sheets for Arsenal

10:09 PM GMT

FT stats

Possession: Arsenal 68%-32% Ipswich

Shots: 13-3

Shots on target: 5-0

Corners: 5-1

Touches in opposition box: 40-5

10:07 PM GMT

Full time

There was quick VAR check for handball but nothing given. That is it at the Emirates and Arsenal win 1-0 thanks to Havertz’s first-half goal. They move up into second place in the Premier League table. Ipswich remain in 19th.

10:06 PM GMT

90+4 mins: Arsenal 1 Ipswich 0

The seconds are running out for the visitors yet Phillips is passing the ball backwards. They have to get the ball forward.

Broadhead cuts inside onto his left foot on the edge of the box but his effort is blocked by Havertz.

10:03 PM GMT

90+2 mins: Arsenal 1 Ipswich 0

Time is running out for Ipswich to get something from this game and from their point of view the ball is at the wrong end of the pitch.

10:02 PM GMT

90+1 mins: Arsenal 1 Ipswich 0

Ipswich change:

OFF Woolfenden

ON H Clarke

10:02 PM GMT

90 mins: Arsenal 1 Ipswich 0

Even though Arsenal have been in control of this match you can sense some nerves inside the Emirates.

There will be four added minutes at the end of this match.

09:58 PM GMT

86 mins: Arsenal 1 Ipswich 0

Arsenal change:

OFF Rice

ON Partey

09:57 PM GMT

85 mins: Arsenal 1 Ipswich 0

Five minutes of normal time remain and Arsenal still lead by just the one goal. Ipswich have barely had any chances tonight but they are potentially one moment away from snatching a draw and a point. Their xG at the moment; 0.02.

09:54 PM GMT

82 mins: Arsenal 1 Ipswich 0

Martinelli is fouled by O’Shea right by the corner flag out on the left. Such a silly foul to concede by O’Shea; Martinelli saw him coming from a mile off. Rice sends in the delivery but Muric takes the catch.

09:52 PM GMT

79 mins: Arsenal 1 Ipswich 0

Ipswich triple change:

OFF Cajuste, Johnson, Delap

ON J Taylor, Broadhead, Al-Hamadi

09:49 PM GMT

77 mins: Arsenal 1 Ipswich 0

Merino is the latest Arsenal player to have a shot. He has so much space and time to take on the shot from just inside the Ipswich area and his effort towards the far corner is saved by Muric. The parry out nearly falls straight to the feet of Trossard but goes just away from him.

Safe to say Arsenal are in control again. Odegaard is starting to pull the strings in midfield, while Merino has added a bit more calmness alongside him. As long as it remains 1-0, though, the pressure will remain on. Ipswich will have to start playing more boldly soon.

09:47 PM GMT

75 mins: Arsenal 1 Ipswich 0

Chance for Arsenal to double their lead as the ball is lifted forward into the path of Havertz but he makes a mess of his shot from no more than seven yards out and the chance is gone.

Havertz tries to score past Muric
Arsenal still just one goal ahead - Kin Cheung/AP

09:46 PM GMT

74 mins: Arsenal 1 Ipswich 0

As was the case not long ago, Odegaard is afforded too much time and space and dribbles into the Ipswich box. He cuts onto his preferred left boot and sends a shot towards goal, forcing Muric to tip over his bar. The corner is sent in flat to Rice near the edge of the box, who is in acres of space. He hits the volley really well but it is blocked really well by O’Shea.

09:43 PM GMT

71 mins: Arsenal 1 Ipswich 0

Ipswich change:

OFF Szmodics

ON J Clarke

Arsenal change:

OFF Jesus

ON Merino

09:37 PM GMT

66 mins: Arsenal 1 Ipswich 0

Davis is booked for a challenge on Odegaard. It did not seem intentional and initially the referee did not look like he was going to show a yellow card but he does eventually. Odegaard is receiving treatment from a member of the Arsenal medical staff but he looks fine to continue.

09:35 PM GMT

63 mins: Arsenal 1 Ipswich 0

Havertz’s cross is deflected behind for a corner on the left. Rice sends in an inswinger to the back post, where Gabriel has a free header. He is just a few yards out but somehow misses the target. He should have buried that one.

09:31 PM GMT

59 mins: Arsenal 1 Ipswich 0

Jesus fouls O’Shea, which gives Ipswich the chance to send in a delivery into the Arsenal box. Phillips sends it in and Rice heads behind for a corner to the visitors, their first of the night. Can they make it count? Davis sends in an inswinger but it is headed away at the near post. Poor delivery and a wasted opportunity for the away side.

Arsenal are having something of a wobble at the moment. Ipswich are suddenly more adventurous and aggressive (they have nothing to lose, after all) and Arteta’s side don’t seem to have adjusted to it. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Arsenal make a change soon. Much better from the visitors.

09:28 PM GMT

57 mins: Arsenal 1 Ipswich 0

We are nearly an hour into this game and Ipswich are still yet to register a single shot.

Meanwhile on the south coast it is all over and it has ended all square between Brighton and Brentford.

09:26 PM GMT

54 mins: Arsenal 1 Ipswich 0

Havertz tugs Hutchinson back cynically as Ipswich attempted to counter and there is no doubt he was going to be booked there. He was slightly fortunate not to be shown a yellow for something similar right at the start of the match but now he is into the book.

09:25 PM GMT

53 mins: Arsenal 1 Ipswich 0

Rice is tripped up by Phillips right on the edge of the Ipswich penalty area and this will present Arsenal with a great opportunity. Odegaard takes but he hits the wall.

Martin Odegaard strikes a free-kick
Arsenal looking to extend their lead - John Walton/PA

09:23 PM GMT

50 mins: Arsenal 1 Ipswich 0

Hutchinson goes down inside the Arsenal box under a challenge from Lewis-Skelly and the whistle is blown but Hutchinson is penalised like he was in the first half for a handball as he fell to the ground.

09:20 PM GMT

48 mins: Arsenal 1 Ipswich 0

Odegaard drives into the Ipswich box and takes his shot but his effort is well blocked by Greaves. Ipswich gave him far too much space there.

09:18 PM GMT

46 mins: Arsenal 1 Ipswich 0

Szmodics had a chance inside the first 20 seconds of the first half and he has another opportunity right at the start of the second Arsenal give it away and, with Raya way out of his goal, Szmodics has the chance to shoot but opts not to and eventually loses possession. Good chance for Ipswich there.

09:17 PM GMT

Second half

We are back under way at the Emirates.

09:13 PM GMT

HT verdict

Arsenal should be pretty happy with that. They are in complete control and they’ve got the goal, so there’s no real edginess or anxiety in the air here. One more goal after the break and this game will be over.

09:11 PM GMT

Meanwhile on the south coast

Brighton are hosting Brentford and they are approaching the closing stages on the south coast. It is still 0-0 with around 10 minutes left. Can either side find a winner?

09:07 PM GMT

HT stats

Possession: Arsenal 84%-16% Ipswich

Shots: 4-0

Shots on target: 2-0

Corners: 2-0

Touches in opposition box: 24-0

09:02 PM GMT

Half time

That is it for the first half and Arsenal lead 1-0 at the break thanks to Havertz’s goal.

09:02 PM GMT

45 mins: Arsenal 1 Ipswich 0

There will be one added minute at the end of this first half.

08:58 PM GMT

41 mins: Arsenal 1 Ipswich 0

Rice sends in a cross towards the far post where Martinelli wins the header back across but Ipswich manage to clear their lines.

08:55 PM GMT

38 mins: Arsenal 1 Ipswich 0

Hutchinson is penalised for handball deep inside the Arsenal half on the left touchline as he went down wanting a free-kick. Watching it live and backed up by the replays it seemed Jesus did trip Hutchinson so Ipswich probably should have been given the free-kick there.

08:52 PM GMT

34 mins: Arsenal 1 Ipswich 0

Arsenal have the ball in the back of the net for a second time but the offside flag is up. Jesus is played in behind and he manages to squeeze it past Muric from the narrowest of angles but his celebrations are cut short. Only one replay needed to show he had strayed offside as he made his run into the Ipswich box.

Gabriel Jesus reacts after having a goal disallowed
Offside - John Walton/PA

08:49 PM GMT

32 mins: Arsenal 1 Ipswich 0

Johnson sends in a cross from the right that takes a deflection off Lewis-Skelly but Raya catches the cross under pressure from Delap. Ipswich have barely ventured into the Arsenal box so far in this first half.

08:47 PM GMT

30 mins: Arsenal 1 Ipswich 0

Rice takes on a shot from just outside the box but his effort goes just over Muric’s bar.

08:42 PM GMT

25 mins: Arsenal 1 Ipswich 0

Now that they have fallen behind, will Ipswich change their approach? I suspect not for the time being considering how they have started the game but the difference now is they are behind. In the first 25 minutes of the game they have completed just 11 passes. 11!

08:39 PM GMT

GOAL! Havertz gives Arsenal the lead

The hosts are ahead and Ipswich’s early defensive solidity has been broken. Trossard gets past Johnson on the left-hand side of the box and sends the ball across goal. He picks out Havertz, who has a simple tap-in from just four yards out. 1-0 Arsenal.

It really feels like Arsenal are crossing the ball more tonight, especially from the right wing where Martinelli has replaced the injured Saka. This is not usually a team that plays lots of inswinging deliveries but they are today, with Havertz’s goal coming from Trossard’s left-wing cross. Havertz is now up to 12 goals for the campaign. For all those people who say Arsenal need a 20-goal striker... well, Havertz is heading for that mark.

08:39 PM GMT

22 mins: Arsenal 0 Ipswich 0

Kieran McKenna will be content with the solidity of his side in defence but can they play like this for 90 minutes? Can they keep it up? Perhaps his strategy is to keep it tight for 60 minutes and then try to push on. Arsenal have had more than 90% possession so far. Ipswich probably need to a slightly better job at keeping hold of the ball to take some of the pressure off themselves.

08:36 PM GMT

19 mins: Arsenal 0 Ipswich 0

Timber drives from halfway and keeps going through the middle towards the edge of the Ipswich box, where he takes aim but it is straight at Muric.

Jurrien Timber takes a shot
Arsenal having all the ball but yet to carve out a genuine opportunity - Kim Cheung/AP

08:31 PM GMT

14 mins: Arsenal 0 Ipswich 0

Trossard cuts onto his right foot inside the Ipswich box and his effort is deflected behind for a corner. Like on their previous corner, Arsenal are lining up plenty of numbers at the far post. Rice’s delivery beyond the far post finds Trossard, who cushions a header into the path of Odegaard. Eventually Trossard sends in a cross but Ipswich deal with it.

08:30 PM GMT

13 mins: Arsenal 0 Ipswich 0

Lewis-Skelly has really impressed at left-back in recent games and one of the most interesting aspects of his game is his ability to shield the ball under pressure. He did it frequently against Crystal Palace and he’s done so twice already tonight, using his body to keep possession under serious pressure from multiple opponents.

The back of Myles Lewis-Skelly
Myles Lewis-Skelly starting at left-back for Arsenal tonight - David Price/Getty Images

08:27 PM GMT

10 mins: Arsenal 0 Ipswich 0

Arsenal are having pretty much all of the possession so far but have been unable thus far to carve out a genuine chance. Ipswich have won just two games so far in the league this season but one of them did come in north London against Tottenham.

08:25 PM GMT

8 mins: Arsenal 0 Ipswich 0

Arsenal have a free-kick out on the left, which Odegaard will take but the hosts cannot take advantage of the opportunity.

08:23 PM GMT

6 mins: Arsenal 0 Ipswich 0

Martinelli stands up a cross to the far post from the right-hand side of the box, which forces Woolfenden to head behind for a corner. Rice sends in an inswinger, which Muric punches out to the edge of the area. Odegaard attempts a volley but gets it all wrong.

08:21 PM GMT

3 mins: Arsenal 0 Ipswich 0

Havertz cynically fouls Delap as he was driving forward towards halfway but avoids a yellow. In the game at Molineux last night there were yellow cards dished out for similar incidents.

Kai Havertz fouls Liam Delap
Lucky not to see yellow? - John Sibley/Reuters

08:18 PM GMT

1 min: Arsenal 0 Ipswich 0

Chance for Ipswich after just 20 seconds. Davis sends in a dangerous ball from the left which Szmodics should get on the end of but does not get great contact on his flick. Big early opportunity for the visitors.

Sammie Szmodics tries to flick towards goal
Ipswich could have taken a very, very early lead - Julian Finney/Getty Images

08:17 PM GMT

Kick-off

We are under way at the Emirates.

08:13 PM GMT

Kick-off fast approaching

Both teams have emerged from the tunnel and we are just moments away from kick-off at the Emirates.

08:08 PM GMT

Reminder of the team news

Arsenal: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Magalhaes, Lewis-Skelly, Rice, Odegaard, Havertz, Martinelli, Trossard, Jesus

Substitutes: Neto, Partey, Kiwior, Zinchenko, Jorginho, Merino, Calafiori, Nwaneri

Ipswich: Muric, Johnson, O’Shea, Greaves, Davis, Woolfenden, Cajuste, Phillips, Hutchinson, Szmodics, Delap

Substitutes: Walton, H.Clarke, Burns, Chaplin, Taylor, Al-Hamadi, Townsend, Broadhead, J.Clarke

08:04 PM GMT

Hosts gearing up

08:00 PM GMT

Down on the south coast

They are already half an hour into the game where Brighton are hosting Brentford and it is still 0-0. Yoane Wissa has had a goal ruled out for offside.

07:52 PM GMT

Sammie Szmodics speaking pre-match

07:47 PM GMT

Pre-match thoughts of Mikel Arteta

07:41 PM GMT

Kieran McKenna speaking to Amazon Prime

07:37 PM GMT

Pre-match build-up

A consequence of Saka and Sterling’s injuries, and the sudden re-emergence of Gabriel Jesus as a major attacking force, is that Arsenal’s bench is now remarkably short of offensive options. Tonight there is only one forward player among the substitutes: Ethan Nwaneri. And he is more of a midfielder than a striker, anyway.

In other words, Arsenal have no strikers on the bench but do have three left-backs and two defensive midfielders. Arteta will be hoping they don’t have to chase the game in the second half.

This will be a tough night for Ipswich but this is an encouraging statistic: they have won two of their last three league away matches, having failed to win their previous 12. Those two victories came at Tottenham Hotspur and Wolves.

07:32 PM GMT

Hosts arriving

07:30 PM GMT

Arsenal interested in Wolves striker Cunha

Arsenal hold an interest in Wolves forward Matheus Cunha but would face a huge battle landing him during the transfer window while the Brazilian is involved in a fight for survival at Molineux.

It is understood that Arsenal’s interest in the 25-year-old was sparked before the injury of Bukayo Saka, who will be out for “many weeks” with a hamstring problem suffered against Crystal Palace. Raheem Sterling is also out with a knee problem to limit Mikel Arteta’s forward options.

Mike McGrath has the full story.

07:26 PM GMT

How do Arsenal adjust to the loss of Saka?

For Arsenal, the dreaded moment has finally arrived. An injury to Bukayo Saka is what the club has feared for years. It was always going to happen at one point, of course, but it does feel like especially bad timing for Mikel Arteta because Raheem Sterling has also picked up an injury. Sterling was signed to be Saka’s backup, after all.

How will Arsenal adjust to the loss of Saka? Based on Arteta’s team selection, it seems that Gabriel Martinelli has been tasked with filling the void on the right flank. It is not a position in which Martinelli has spent much time in recent years, but he did look sharp there after Saka was injured against Crystal Palace. It will be interesting to see how it affects Arsenal’s attacking patterns.

07:20 PM GMT

Full team news

Arsenal have made two changes from their 5-1 victory at Crystal Palace last weekend. Leandro Trossard replaces the injured Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice comes in for Thomas Partey.

Arsenal: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Magalhaes, Lewis-Skelly, Rice, Odegaard, Havertz, Martinelli, Trossard, Jesus

Substitutes: Neto, Partey, Kiwior, Zinchenko, Jorginho, Merino, Calafiori, Nwaneri

Kalvin Phillips comes in for the suspended Sam Morsy for Ipswich. Liam Delap is back from his own ban.

Ipswich: Muric, Johnson, O’Shea, Greaves, Davis, Woolfenden, Cajuste, Phillips, Hutchinson, Szmodics, Delap

Substitutes: Walton, H.Clarke, Burns, Chaplin, Taylor, Al-Hamadi, Townsend, Broadhead, J.Clarke

07:15 PM GMT

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07:09 PM GMT

Alex Aljoe: The polyglot presenter who has wowed with bilingual interviews

In footballing terms, Alex Aljoe is enjoying a breakout season. The presenter went viral last month for conducting bilingual interviews on the sidelines, adding a distinct European flavour to Amazon Prime’s Champions League coverage.

Her chat with Luis Díaz after Liverpool’s 4-0 win over Bayern Leverkusen, in which the Colombian had scored a hat-trick, made significant waves online. Artfully switching between English and Spanish as she asked questions and translated Díaz’s answers, Aljoe turned to the camera at the right moments to keep viewers at home engaged. This rare display of versatility underlined the rewards that can be gained by conducting post-match interviews in a player’s native tongue.

At the time, Aljoe thought nothing of it. She decided her interview with Díaz, which lasted around three minutes and 15 seconds, would probably be a major switch-off for viewers. It was, however, an instant hit.

For more from Fiona Tomas’ piece, click here.

07:04 PM GMT

Ipswich team news

07:04 PM GMT

Arsenal team news

06:58 PM GMT

Match preview

Arsenal host Ipswich at the Emirates with the hosts having the chance to go second with a victory tonight. They go into this evening’s match in fourth place but, after Chelsea’s 2-1 home defeat to Fulham yesterday, Mikel Arteta’s side could move up into second if they beat Ipswich. Arsenal, who are unbeaten in their last 11 league games at home, won 5-1 against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park last Saturday but took a significant blow as Bukayo Saka injured his hamstring. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed Saka will be sidelined for “many weeks” and he believes the fixture list has become unsustainable.

“The fact that you train and recover, that is not a good pattern because the body needs to train, the muscle needs to train. If you just play and recover you start to lose a lot of factors in your body that are key to physical performance.

“Not just to play not to get injured, but to become a better athlete, which is very different, and to keep evolving as an athlete.

Bukayo Saka down with an injury
Bukayo Saka is set for an extended spell on the sidelines - Alex Pantling/Getty Images

“I hope the players are being listened to but whoever is in charge, can they actually do something right now with the commitments that are already in place over the next three or four seasons? It is very challenging and very difficult.”

Arsenal are also set to be without Raheem Sterling for a while with a knee injury whilst Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu continue to be ruled out.

Ipswich fell to a heavy defeat at home at the hands of Newcastle last weekend, losing 4-0. The visitors currently sit in 19th place, three points from safety. They could move level on points with 17th place Wolves. Kieran McKenna has emphasised the need for his side to show togetherness on their trip to north London.

“We need to show the right mentality, first of all. It is a chance to show our togetherness, our spirit and resilience. Our organisation is going to have to be really good and we are going to have to show bravery in moments of the game as well to take them on in the way we want to.”

They will be without their captain Sam Morsy tonight as he serves a one-match suspension but are boosted by the return of their top scorer Liam Delap, who is back from his own ban. They continue to be without Axel Tuanzebe, George Hirst and Chiedozie Ogbene.

Arsenal have won 18 of their last 19 league games against promoted opposition, with their only defeat coming in a 1-0 loss at Nottingham Forest in May 2023. They are in fact unbeaten in their last 41 league home games against promoted sides. Ipswich have played just once at the Emirates Stadium; a League Cup semi-final second leg defeat in January 2011. Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 13 league games against Ipswich.

Team news to follow shortly.