Arsenal player ratings: Havertz shines in different role but Jesus can’t keep up hot streak against Ipswich

KAI HAVERTZ scored his 12th goal of the season to send Arsenal second with a 1-0 win over Ipswich at the Emirates.

It was the German’s close-range strike that broke the deadlock as the Gunners moved within six points of Prem leaders Liverpool.

Mikel Arteta‘s side started brilliantly, suffocating Ipswich’s back five at every opportunity as the visitors failed to have a touch in the opposition box in the first 45 minutes.

The question heading into this game was how would Arsenal cope without Bukayo Saka, who registered 28 goal involvements in 2024.

But Havertz, who roamed all over the pitch, is next on the list after earning his 24th contribution of the year in the 23rd minute.

An expected second-half push from Ipswich saw the home fans grow anxious but it finished 1-0 to the Arsenal.

Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated the Arsenal players at the Emirates Stadium…

David Raya – 5

Cut a lonely figure and must have been cold standing on his goal-line for most of the first half as his team-mates enjoyed 84 per cent possession.

Had his first touch on 31 minutes but was called upon more in the second half as Ipswich grew into the game.

Jurrien Timber – 6

Got the fans on their feet with a glorious run through the middle of the park inside 19 minutes, but his limp long range shot was easily kept out by Muric.

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Clearly had a licence to roam, cutting in from full back and driving up the pitch. 

William Saliba – 7

Joined Gabriel in the highest line set up of the season. The pair of them were at the edge of Muric’s box for most of the first half.

The Frenchman was solid in dealing with a boisterous Liam Delap.

Gabriel – 8

Great game for the Brazilian to ease back into 90 minutes after starting against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Caused his usual nuisance in the opposition area from corners but missed a sitter from a Rice set-piece in the 64th minute.

Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7

Getting more and more impressive each week. The way he moves with that low centre of gravity makes him so hard to dispossess.

But a poor clearance saw Ipswich enjoy a first spell of possession before the hour mark.

The 18-year-old was poked and prodded by Ipswich striker Delap and Kalvin Phillips at times but dealt with it well.

Declan Rice – 7

Rice was pushed into a defensive No 6 role but didn’t have to stay there long.

Energetic as always and added another level of attack he got his foot on the ball and won a dangerous free kick on the edge of the area.

Kai Havertz – 8

Officially back in midfield in Saka’s absence after having played most of the season up top.

But the German was in the perfect elusive centre-forward’s position to tap home with a breakthrough opener inside 23 minutes.

Rotated and exchanged the No 9 role – perhaps Arteta has found a new partnership that may see them through this spell without Saka.

Martin Odegaard – 6

Rare off evening for the Arsenal captain but nothing too drastic. Uncharacteristic air ball inside six minutes and wasn’t as sharp in his passing.

Perhaps missing the chemistry he has with Saka and lost the ball cheaply at times.

Gabriel Martinelli – 6

All eyes were on the winger as he filled in for Saka on the right-hand side.

The Brazilian perhaps lacks the directness of the Gunners’ starboy, but he saw plenty of the ball and linked up well with Jesus.

Whipped the first ball in for Havertz’s goal which came out to Trossard who provided the assist.

Leandro Trossard – 7

Started on the left and kept the ball alive to steal a yard on Ben Johnson and provide Havertz with a wicked cross and his 12th goal of the season.

Troubled Ipswich’s Johnson with his direct running and tireless work rate throughout. 

Gabriel Jesus – 5

Jesus clearly had the bit between his teeth at the moment after last week’s goal rush.

Couldn’t quite hold his run well enough when breaking through after 34 minutes for his offside goal. Perhaps over eager at that moment.

Looked disappointed when he was subbed off with 20 minutes remaining.

Subs

Mikel Merino (Jesus ’73) – 6

The Spanish star came on to secure the game after Ipswich started growing into the game.

Thomas Partey (Rice ’83) – N/A

Unused

Jakub Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Riccardo Calafiori, Ethan Nwaneri, Kieran Tierney, Neto