Kai Havertz scored the only goal of a tight encounter on Friday night as Arsenal defeated a brave Ipswich Town side 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium to rise to second in the English Premier League.
The hosts netted the winner in the 23rd minute when Leandro Trossard crossed the ball for Havertz to tap in from close range.
Arsenal dominated and had 83.5% of possession in the first half as Kieran McKenna’s side, who rarely left their own half, looked to frustrate them.
Declan Rice curled over from the edge of the box, before Gabriel Jesus thought he had doubled the lead when he squeezed the ball between goalkeeper Arijanet Muric’s legs, but the strike was ruled out for offside.
Second-bottom Ipswich came out for the second half with more intent, but Liam Delap battled against centre-backs William Saliba and Gabriel without much luck.
Brazilian Gabriel had a chance to make the game more comfortable for the Gunners, but somehow he headed wide from inside the six-yard box.
Havertz also missed a good opportunity for a second goal, but the German could not connect cleanly following a Trossard header.
Victory moved Arsenal within six points of leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand, but Mikel Arteta’s side end the year as the only Premier League team still unbeaten at home.
