Arsenal cruised to victory over Ipswich Town on Sunday afternoon to keep their slim Premier League title hopes alive. Mikel Arteta’s side dominated from start to finish, with several fringe players taking their opportunities.
Leandro Trossard bagged a brace in an impressive performance from the Belgium international. The 30-year-old opened the scoring after 14 minutes from close-range before Gabriel Martinelli capped off a neat passing move to give Arsenal a two-goal cushion.
Matters then went from bad to worse for Ipswich when Leif Davis was shown a straight red card for a late challenge on Bukayo Saka. The winger received treatment after the collision before managing to shake off the problem, much to the relief of the Gunners faithful, who were understandably fearful in the stands.
Trossard then bagged his second in the 69th minute with a low strike before Ethan Nwaneri came off of the bench to put the game to bed late on with a distracted strike.
Express Sport runs the rule over Arsenal’s players at Portman Road…
Arsenal player ratings vs Ipswich (4-3-3)
David Raya: 7
Quiet afternoon for the Spaniard and avoided making a single save. Another easy clean sheet for the Spaniard.
Ben White: 7
Although some of his passes went astray, the right-back brings out the best in his teammates and his return to full fitness could not be better timed for the Gunners. His link-up with Saka has been missed this season.
Gabriel Saliba: 7
Cool and composed for the most part but did struggle with the physical presence of Hirst at times.
Jakub Kiwior: 7
In the absence of Gabriel, the Polish international has stepped up and is truly putting himself in the shop window if he is moved on this summer. Kiwior dealt with the presence and power of Ipswich’s George Hirst well and looks comfortably building out from the back.
Oleksandr Zinchenko: 8
The left-back impressed at Portman Road, with Arsenal’s domination allowing him to cut inside and dictate the tempo of the match in central areas.
Declan Rice: 7 (Tierney, 73’)
The England international is set to end the campaign in sensational form. Rice was assured in possession and effortlessly swept up any danger to keep Ipswich pinned inside their own penalty area for extended spells.
Mikel Merino: 8 (Lewis-Skelly, 57’)
Dropped back into his favoured midfield role, the Spaniard still managed to leave his mark on the match with a glorious assist and should have bagged himself a goal with a free header in the first half. Worked hard on and off the ball and has really found his feet in Arteta’s system.
Martin Odegaard: 7
Fortunate to bag an assist for the opener and did make some cutting passes to cause Ipswich issues. The Arsenal skipper is key in his side’s buildup but capable of far more, though the return of White may aid his creative impact.
Bukayo Saka: 8 (Nwaneri, 57’)
The winger absolutely ran the show at Portland Road, and on another day he would have headed into half-time with a hat-trick. The Tractor Boys simply could not contain the England international’s mazy dribbling and instinctive link-up play.
Leandro Trossard: 8 (Butler-Oyedeji, 82’)
The Belgium international led the line well for the Gunners and showcased how he can be a No. 9 option heading into the latter stages of the campaign. Worked hard to open up space for his teammates and deserved the brace.
Gabriel Martinelli: 7 (Sterling, 73’)
A lively showing from the Brazil international and took his goal well. Martinelli has returned from injury in great form and will be keen to continue this hot streak.
Substitutes
Ethan Nwaneri: 7. Added a spark when coming off of the bench, though was fortunate with his goal.
Lewis Myles-Skelly: 7. The versatile academy graduate was offered some game time in midfield and took the opportunity well.
Kieran Tierney: 6.
Raheem Sterling: 6.
Nathan Butler-Oyedeji: 6. Almost bagged a goal on his debut in what would have capped off a brilliant performance for the Gunners.
