Arsenal player ratings: Havertz shines in different role but Jesus can’t keep up hot streak against Ipswichatings
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Sponsored by. 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.
![[Kai Havertz scored the only goal of the game against Ipswich Town]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/kai-havertz-arsenal-celebrates-scoring-960116972.jpg?strip=all&w=640)
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.
![[Gabriel Jesus struggled to make an impact]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/omari-hutchinson-ipswich-town-runs-960117385.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
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...
![[William Saliba was solid at the back]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/william-saliba-arsenal-premier-league-960119364.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
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.
![[Declan Rice was able to push up field against Ipswich Town]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/declan-rice-arsenal-reacts-team-960121124.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
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. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS. Clearly had a licence to roam, cutting in from full back and driving up the pitch.
