Arsenal delivered a ruthless performance at Portman Road, thrashing Ipswich Town 4-0 to keep Liverpool’s Premier League title celebrations on hold and push the hosts closer to relegation. Leandro Trossard starred with a brace, while Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri added gloss to a one-sided affair that saw Ipswich reduced to 10 men early in the first half.
The Gunners struck first in the 14th minute when Trossard slotted home after a slick through-ball from Martin Ødegaard, capitalizing on Ipswich’s shaky defense. The hosts’ hopes crumbled further when Leif Davis received a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Bukayo Saka in the 33rd minute, leaving Ipswich to battle with 10 men.
Martinelli doubled the lead just before halftime, finishing a clever backheel assist from Mikel Merino to compound Ipswich’s misery.
Arsenal dominated possession (79%) in the second half, with Trossard netting his second in the 69th minute via a clinical strike from Declan Rice’s corner. Substitute Ethan Nwaneri sealed the rout in the 88th minute, his deflected shot leaving goalkeeper Alex Palmer stranded.
The victory cuts Liverpool’s lead at the top to 10 points, forcing the Reds to wait until at least midweek to clinch the title. For Arsenal, the win reinforces their grip on second place and keeps faint title hopes alive.
Meanwhile, Ipswich remain 18th, 15 points adrift of safety with only five games left, all but confirming their immediate return to the Championship.
Mikel Arteta praised his team’s focus: “We controlled the game from start to finish. Even with the red card, we stayed disciplined and took our chances.” He also highlighted Trossard’s “exceptional movement and finishing” as key to the victory.
Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna lamented Davis’ dismissal, calling it a “turning point,” but acknowledged his squad’s limitations: “We’re fighting an uphill battle, but the players showed heart despite the circumstances”.
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