Arsenal climbed to second place in the Premier League with a 1-0 victory over Ipswich at the Emirates Stadium on Friday.Under the guidance of manager Mikel Arteta, Arsenal is now six points behind league leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand. Ipswich, sitting second from the bottom, had previously won two of their last three away matches but struggled from the outset against the Gunners.
Ipswich failed to register a single touch in Arsenal’s penalty area during the first half. Although the visitors showed some improvement after the break, Arsenal maintained control of the match, with Declan Rice playing a pivotal role in midfield.
The only goal came midway through the first half when Kai Havertz converted a cross from Leandro Trossard. Despite several opportunities from Havertz, Rice, Mikel Merino, Martin Ødegaard, and Gabriel Jesus, Arsenal could not extend their lead.
“It’s so tough; every team is tough to break down,” Havertz remarked. “They fight for each other, and in the end, we’re very proud of the win.”Arsenal now sits one point ahead of third-place Chelsea and two points clear of surprise package Nottingham Forest in fourth.
Brighton and Brentford Share Spoils in Goalless Draw
In another match, Brighton was held to a 0-0 draw against Brentford, extending the home side’s winless streak to six league games. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, Brighton could not find the net.
Paraguayan striker Julio Enciso had several opportunities but failed to convert. Brentford, which has struggled with the worst away record in the league, saw an early goal from Yoane Wissa disallowed for offside. Although they improved slightly in the second half, they could not apply pressure on Brighton’s Icelandic goalkeeper Hakon Valdimarsson, who made his Premier League debut after Mark Flekken left the match with a thigh injury.
A positive note for Brighton was the return of winger Solly March, who made his first appearance in 14 months after recovering from a knee injury sustained against Manchester City.The draw leaves Brighton in 10th place with 26 points, just ahead of Brentford, who sit in 11th.
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