As 2024 comes to a close, Arsenal host Ipswich Town in their first Premier League meeting in 22 years. The Gunners aim to cap a successful year by keeping their title hopes alive and closing the gap on league leaders Liverpool.
A win at the Emirates Stadium on Friday night would propel Mikel Arteta’s side into second place, continuing their momentum after a resounding 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace and securing a League Cup semi-final berth.
Arsenal currently sit fourth in the Premier League table with 33 points from 17 games. A victory over Ipswich would see them leapfrog Chelsea and Nottingham Forest, keeping them within striking distance of Liverpool, who have set a blistering pace this season. With the Reds boasting a remarkable 76% win rate, Arsenal must maintain consistency to stay in contention.
Arteta emphasised the importance of maintaining focus:
“The margins are not big, especially with the results that Liverpool are having consistently. We need to be very consistent, continue to play the way we are, and wait for opportunities.”
Ipswich Town, currently battling relegation, have shown promise on the road despite a difficult season. After failing to win their first 10 matches, Kieran McKenna’s side have picked up two victories in their last three away games. A 2-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur and a dramatic 94th-minute winner against Wolves showcased their resilience. However, a 4-0 defeat to Newcastle United last weekend highlighted defensive frailties that Arsenal will look to exploit.
McKenna acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating:
“It’s about educating the players on making the right decisions in key moments. The margins at this level are so tight, and we need to show bravery and resilience.”
Arsenal will be without Bukayo Saka, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury, along with Raheem Sterling, Ben White, and Takehiro Tomiyasu. Oleksandr Zinchenko may return after missing five games, providing a much-needed boost.
Ipswich will welcome Liam Delap back from suspension, but captain Sam Morsey is suspended, and key players like George Hirst, Axel Tuanzebe, and Chiedozie Ogbene remain unavailable due to injuries.
Arteta will likely lean on Gabriel Jesus and Martin Ødegaard to lead the attack, while Arsenal’s home record—a 16-game unbeaten run at the Emirates—adds confidence. Meanwhile, Ipswich will aim to stay organised defensively and capitalise on counter-attacking opportunities against Arsenal, relying on their recent success away from home to pull off a shock result.
For Arsenal, this match is more than just three points; it’s a chance to maintain pressure on Liverpool and build on the feel-good factor heading into 2025. With Ipswich fighting for survival, the game promises to be a fascinating contest between two sides with vastly different objectives.
A victory for the Gunners could keep their title ambitions alive and set the tone for a crucial second half of the season.
