With nine days until their Champions League semi-final against Paris St-Germain, Arsenal arrived at Portman Road and effectively used Ipswich Town as their training cones. That might sound blunt but this was a blunt beating, with Mikel Arteta’s side scoring twice in the first 30 minutes and then cruising to an entirely straightforward victory from there.
It helped their cause that relegation-doomed Ipswich were reduced to 10 men long before the half-time whistle, as a result of an unpleasant Leif Davis challenge which raked the heel of Bukayo Saka. Ipswich’s hopes of a comeback were already slim and that red card made them non-existent.
For Arsenal this was much more than a simple confidence-booster, though. It could prove to be a genuinely useful afternoon for Arteta, who reshuffled his midfield and attack seemingly in preparation for the clash with PSG.
Arsenal will be without the suspended Thomas Partey for the first leg on April 29, which is likely to mean significant changes. Here, we had a glimpse of those expected alterations as Leandro Trossard played in the central attacking position. Against admittedly limited opposition, the Belgian excelled with two goals and plenty of probing movement.
Trossard has not been a starter in big matches recently but he undoubtedly has the quality to make an impact in the Champions League. He remains probably Arsenal’s most clinical finisher and he produced two sharp efforts here, either side of half-time.
Trossard has established himself as a decisive player against defensive, deep-lying opponents. He has now been directly involved in 11 goals (five goals, six assists) in his last 13 games against promoted teams.
“He is ready to play in any position,” said Arteta, who has been managing injury issues throughout this season. “We have to make certain adjustments, not because of PSG but because of the situation we had with Thomas and a few other players. But that’s good because the team shows adaptability and versatility, for certain players to play in different positions. That’s very much needed, especially when we have the numbers that we have at the moment.”
Trossard’s return to the line-up triggered a redeployment of Mikel Merino, who has spent much of the past few months as an emergency centre-forward. This was a reminder that he remains primarily a central midfielder, with the Spaniard impressing in the first half and producing one of the most eye-catching assists of the campaign.
Merino in midfield, Trossard in attack and Declan Rice patrolling in a deep-lying position. Was this the blueprint for PSG? Arteta would never say as much but it certainly seemed to be the case here, and the Arsenal manager will be delighted with the defensive control and offensive threat that his team offered.
Arteta was also a relieved man. Saka could easily have been injured by the Davis tackle, especially because he did not see it coming. The England winger was walking gingerly at full time but Arteta said there was no need to worry.
“It was a bit sore but it’s nothing serious,” said Arteta. “I don’t think it’s intentional at all, but it’s dangerous because he cannot really react to anything, because you cannot see him [Davis] coming.”
Kieran McKenna had no objections to the red card, but did make clear that Davis would never have wanted to hurt Saka. “I don’t think he has a malicious bone in his body,” said McKenna, whose side are all but relegated after 20 defeats in 33 games.
Would the outcome have been any different without the red card? Probably not, although it would have been a much more engaging contest for the home supporters. Long before the end, the excitement had been drained from this arena. Ipswich finished the match with four shots and 199 completed passes, compared to Arsenal’s 24 shots and 675 completed passes. Ipswich had five touches in the opposition box, compared to Arsenal’s 71.
Arsenal were excellent in the opening exchanges, pulling Ipswich apart and dragging their midfielders into places they simply did not want to go. The opening goal came when Saka’s cross was diverted by Martin Odegaard into Trossard, who fired between the blue-shirted bodies.
The second was the best of the four, by some distance. Merino bounded forward from midfield, twice looked over his shoulder to see Gabriel Martinelli’s positioning and then backheeled Saka’s cross into the Brazilian’s path. If Merino meant it, it was a wonderful piece of creative play.
Rice found Trossard for the third after the break, by which time the 10 men of Ipswich had retreated into ultra-defensive mode. They had no other choice, really, and defended relatively well to prevent Arsenal from scoring six or seven. There was to be only one more goal, as teenager Ethan Nwaneri’s deflected effort brought his ninth goal of a thrilling breakout campaign.
04:27 PM BST
Leicester v Liverpool – live!
The champions-elect are about to kick off at the King Power Stadium. You can follow that one with Rob Bagchi.
04:18 PM BST
That winning feeling
04:09 PM BST
Watch: Fluke or assist of the season?
Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino produced one of the season’s most impressive assists with a fabulous backheel to Gabriel Martinelli against Ipswich Town.
Merino’s flick, which allowed Martinelli to give Arsenal a 2-0 lead at Portman Road, marked a continuation of the Spaniard’s excellent form in the final third. He also created two goals in Arsenal’s victory over Real Madrid in midweek.
However, only Merino can say whether he intended for the backheel to find its way to Martinelli.
Here, Telegraph Sport breaks down what could be – if Merino meant it – one of the most intelligent goals of the campaign so far.
03:58 PM BST
FT: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 4
Arsenal have ensured that Liverpool will have to wait to be crowned champions. They were totally dominant, even before Ipswich were reduced to 10 men in the first half, and could easily have scored six or seven. They had to settle for two from Leandro Trossard and one apiece from Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri.
The only slight concern for Arsenal is the state of Bukayo Saka’s achilles after an unpleasant tackle for which Leif Davis was sent off. Saka continued for another half an hour but had an icepack on his leg when he came off and was moving a bit gingerly at the final whistle.
03:55 PM BST
90+3 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 4
Zinchenko whistles a shot just over the bar after another short corner.
03:55 PM BST
90+2 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 4
More stats for you: that’s Ethan Nwaneri’s ninth goal of the season. It has been a fabulous breakout season for the teenager.
“A scoreline that reflects the Arsenal dominance” 💪
Ethan Nwaneri makes it FOUR! 🔴 pic.twitter.com/UaQbCGPVXx
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 20, 2025
03:52 PM BST
90 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 4
Ipswich substitution Conor Chaplin comes on for Sam Morsy.
Four minutes of added time.
03:51 PM BST
Goal!
88 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 4 (Nwaneri) Ethan Nwaneri gets in on the act with a shot that deflects off both O’Shea and Burgess before wrongfooting Palmer. I think the original shot was on target; if so, that’s Nwaneri’s fourth Premier League goal of the season.
03:50 PM BST
87 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 3
Odegaard, 20 yards out, makes room for a low shot that beats the sprawling Palmer and hits the inside of the post.
Seconds later, Palmer makes a terrific save to deny the debutant Butler-Oyedeji. It was a fine effort, a snapshot from 15 yards that Palmer fingertipped over the bar.
03:49 PM BST
86 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 3
Zinchenko is fouled 30 yards from goal by Morsy. With Rice off the field, Zinchenko is going to take it… and he hits the wall.
03:46 PM BST
83 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 3
Arsenal substitution Leandro Trossard, excellent as always, is replaced by Nathan Butler-Oyedeji. This is his Premier League debut.
03:44 PM BST
82 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 3
Double substitution for Ipswich Liam Delap and Massimo Luongo replace George Hirst and Jens Cajuste.
03:43 PM BST
80 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 3
Lewis-Skelly springs into the area and cracks a shot that deflects behind off Greaves. I think it was going wide anyway but Greaves, who has made several fine blocks today, wasn’t to know that.
03:38 PM BST
76 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 3
Ipswich’s relegation is likely to be confirmed next weekend, when they go to Newcastle, Wolves host Leicester and West Ham visit Brighton.
Wolves have just taken the lead at Old Trafford but technically Ipswich could still finish above West Ham on goal difference.
03:35 PM BST
73 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 3
Double substitution for Arsenal Kieran Tierney and Raheem Sterling replace Declan Rice and Gabriel Martinelli. That means Arsenal’s midfield is now Odegaard, Zinchenko and Lewis-Skelly.
03:34 PM BST
72 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 3
That Declan Rice assist means this is now his most productive campaign in the final third. He’s up to 17 goals and assists in all competitions.
03:32 PM BST
Goal!
69 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 3 (Trossard) Two for Trossard, three for Arsenal. Rice and Odegaard worked a short corner before Rice pushed the ball into the area for Trossard, who arrowed a shot through Burgess’s legs and into the far corner. He is such an accomplished finisher.
Leandro Trossard grabs a brace! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/JVXHoqPC92
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 20, 2025
03:31 PM BST
68 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 2
Trossard wriggles away from a couple of defenders before having his shot deflected behind. From the resulting corner, Martinelli’s effort is blocked by the outrushing Greaves.
03:27 PM BST
64 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 2
Ipswich are starting to have one or two moments in attack. A free-kick is headed down towards Taylor, who pokes a shot that is well blocked by Rice.
03:25 PM BST
63 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 2
Nwaneri plays a neat one-two with White and hits a shot that is crucially blocked by the sliding Greaves. Ipswich certainly haven’t waved the white flag; that’s the second potentially goal-saving intervention since half-time.
Moments later, Odegaard makes space for a long-range curler that is comfortably saved to his right by Palmer.
03:23 PM BST
61 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 2
Saka is having an icepack strapped to his right leg after that nasty challenge from Davis. You’d assume that’s just a precaution; if they were worried about an injury he would have come off in the first half.
03:20 PM BST
57 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 2
Double substitution for Arsenal Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri replace Mikel Merino and Bukayo Saka. That means Zinchenko will move into midfield, although in truth he’s spent most of the game there.
03:19 PM BST
56 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 2
Just wide from Hirst! A really good attack from Ipswich. Morsy surges past Rice and pings a long pass out to Hirst on the left. He cuts into the area, gets away from Saliba and shoots fractionally wide of the far post.
03:18 PM BST
56 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 2
The tempo is starting to drop slightly. The last few minutes have been like a training exercise, 10 attackers v nine defenders.
03:15 PM BST
53 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 2
Saka stands up a superb cross that is taken off Merino’s head by Tuanzebe. Excellent defending that probably saved a goal.
03:14 PM BST
51 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 2
Morsy reacts angrily after being fouled by Merino, but there’s nothing much to it and he soon calms down.
03:12 PM BST
50 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 2
Gabriel Martinelli is the fourth-youngest player in Arsenal’s history to score 5️⃣0️⃣ goals across all competitions:
Bukayo Saka – 22Y 159D
Cesc Fàbregas – 23Y 134D
Theo Walcott – 23Y 235D
Gabriel Martinelli – 23Y 306D💻 @Squawkapic.twitter.com/jgzQjKUd9P
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 20, 2025
03:11 PM BST
49 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 2
There’s no sense yet of Arsenal putting their feet up with future challenges in mind. Since half-time they have swarmed all over Ipswich, who are struggling to get out of their third never mind their half.
03:10 PM BST
47 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 2
A neat short corner on the left from Arsenal ends Odegaard blasting a cross-shot that is kicked behind at the near post by Palmer.
03:09 PM BST
46 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 2
They’re back under way at Portman Road. Ipswich have brought on Jack Taylor for Julio Enciso, a substitution to file under ‘damage limitation’.
03:08 PM BST
Merino goes back to the day job
That first half was a little reminder from Mikel Merino that, for all his success in attack, he will be an important player in midfield over the next few seasons. He’s won nine of his 13 duels (the most of anyone on the pitch), made the most tackles and threatened in the box.
02:51 PM BST
HT: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 2
An Easter stroll for Arsenal, who have been superb and could easily lead by more. Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli got the goals, and Ipswich’s task went from almost to entirely impossible when Leif Davis was given a straight red card for an unpleasant tackle on Bukayo Saka.
02:47 PM BST
45 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 2
Five minutes of added time.
02:45 PM BST
44 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 2
Saka has missed another great chance! This is all a bit bizarre. Trossard cut the ball back to Saka, who shot well wide from eight yards.
Actually, replays suggest it might have taken a touch off O’Shea, though a goalkick was given.
02:44 PM BST
43 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 2
White has a shot blocked, then Saka – still being booed – drags a cross-shot from a tight angle that is comfortably saved by Palmer.
02:43 PM BST
41 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 2
Ipswich were struggling to get out when they had 11 men, so it’s even tougher now. Arsenal have had 77 per cent possession and could break the Premier League record for a full game. I think the record is around 83 per cent.
02:39 PM BST
38 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 2
Wild cheers from the home fans as Saka misses a sitter. Merino found him unmarked, 12 yards out, but he clipped his shot wide of the far post.
02:38 PM BST
36 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 2
Saka, who is now being booed, cuts inside and whips a trademark curler just wide of the far post. Lovely effort. Quite why he’s being booed for wearing Davis’s studs in the back of his leg is beyond me.
02:37 PM BST
36 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 2
Leif Davis was given a hearty round of applause as he left the field of play but I imagine the majority of Ipswich supporters will reassess their view when they see the replays of that foul on Bukayo Saka. Looked a nasty one. Nowhere near the ball.
🗣️ “He’s nowhere near the ball!”
Leif Davis has been sent off for this challenge on Bukayo Saka! 🟥 pic.twitter.com/CDIYc1wR5J
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 20, 2025
02:36 PM BST
35 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 2
Ipswich substitution The red card means a reshuffle for Ipswich: Cameron Burgess replaces Jack Clarke.
02:35 PM BST
34 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 2
Saks is back on his feet and seems to be okay. If there’s any doubt, Mikel Arteta will surely take him off. This game is done and the first leg against PSG is only nine da
02:33 PM BST
Red card! Davis sent off
32 min Ipswich are down to 10 men. Davis plants his studs into Saka’s achilles and Chris Kavanagh rightly shows him a straight red. It’s a wretched tackle and Saka is still down.
02:30 PM BST
Goal!
28 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 2 (Martinelli) Liverpool won’t be winning the Premier League title today. Arsenal have been brilliant and now they lead by two. Trossard lobs a pass down the right to Saka, who scorches past Greaves and cuts the ball back towards Merino. He flicks it behind his standing leg and Martinelli arrives at the far post to finish gleefully. That’s his 50th goal for Arsenal – and Arsenal’s 100th goal of the season in all competitions.
“Arsenal SCYTHE through Ipswich to a second!” 🎙️
Gabriel Martinelli doubles Arsenal’s advantage at Portman Road 💥 pic.twitter.com/6543gCQ0Eo
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 20, 2025
02:26 PM BST
25 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 1
Merino is penalised for a cynical foul on Enciso. He could easily have been booked for that.
02:25 PM BST
24 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 1
Chance for Arsenal! A wicked inswinging corner from Saka is headed over by Merino. He was only a few yards out but couldn’t quite get over the ball to keep the header down.
02:24 PM BST
23 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 1
Martinelli, fed by Saka, zips onto his left foot and drives a cross-shot that is well blocked by Tuanzebe.
02:23 PM BST
22 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 1
Ipswich play through the Arsenal press to release Johnson on the right. His cross is headed away to Clarke, who shoots over from 20 yards.
02:20 PM BST
18 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 1
Trossard’s shot from the edge of the area nicks off a defender and flies over the bar. The referee gives a goalkick but I’m pretty sure it was deflected.
02:19 PM BST
16 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 1
Arsenal have been really deliberate in their attempts to draw Ipswich up the pitch, playing short passes in their backline and tempting the Ipswich attackers forward. They laid the trap there and then darted in behind when the space opened up. Another neat finish by Trossard.
Arsenal LEAD! 🔴
Clinical from Leandro Trossard! 🎯 pic.twitter.com/nQJjD2SGGN
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 20, 2025
02:16 PM BST
Goal!
14 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 1 (Trossard) A deadly counter-attack from Arsenal. Zinchenko cracks a crossfield pass to Odegaard, who runs to the edge of the area and feeds Saka on the outside. His cutback is miscontrolled by Odegaard and runs to Trossard, who is being manhandled by Morsy but manages to push a clever shot through the legs of O’Shea and into the net. That’s a neat finish.
02:14 PM BST
13 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 0
“Declan Rice/We got him half price” sing the Arsenal fans when he wins an important challenge on the edge of the Arsenal area.
02:13 PM BST
12 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 0
Trossard lifts a clever pass into the area for Martinelli, who fresh-airs his shot under pressure from Tuanzebe. The angle was tight but it was still a chance.
02:11 PM BST
9 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 0
Ipswich have their first attack. Enciso cuts in from the left and wallops a shot that knocks White off his feet. He stays down for about 30 seconds and then gets to his feet.
02:09 PM BST
8 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 0
Arsenal have had 95 per cent of the possession so far. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that before, even so early in a game.
02:08 PM BST
6 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 0
Chance for Arsenal! Saka plays a slick one-two with Odegaard and finds Trossard eight yards out. His shot is crucially blocked by Tuanzebe and deflects behind for a corner.
Arsenal have started this game superbly.
02:07 PM BST
Revealed: Premier League clubs charging thousands for children to be mascots
Premier League clubs are charging as much as £1,800 for children to be mascots at games, prompting fierce criticism from MPs and campaigners.
The most expensive package has surged 157 per cent since clubs previously stood accused of neglecting low-income families in a Telegraph Sport analysis in 2020.
Half of top-tier clubs now hand all places out for free, but Nottingham Forest, Brighton, Crystal Palace, Ipswich and West Ham are still charging rates branded “exploitative” by critics.
Clubs vehemently defend their pricing policies, pointing out hospitality and kit is often provided and free spaces are also handed out to the community.
02:05 PM BST
4 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 0
Lots of early possession for Arsenal, who are playing with a post-Bernabeu glow. At times this season they have been a bit subdued, but right now their confidence is sky-high.
02:03 PM BST
2 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 0
Odegaard sprays a nice pass out to Martinelli on the left. His cross is headed away by Greaves at the far post.
02:01 PM BST
1 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 0
Ipswich kick off from left to right as we watch.
01:55 PM BST
Five minutes to kick off
I must say, there’s a lovely end-of-season feel to this one. Sun’s out, summery music is playing on the loudspeakers and everyone here knows that this match is not going to be particularly meaningful to the fate of either team. Hopefully the players feel able to let loose and produce an entertaining 90 minutes.
01:45 PM BST
Mikel Arteta’s pre-match thoughts
This week is very important. We have to focus on the Premier League and show the consistency and quality to win games. The performances [in the last two games] were good but there were some small details that slipped away from us.
Ipswich are very consistent in their behaviours – they are so well-coached, very well organised. They are a real threat, like every Premier League team.
“We have to focus on the Premier League”
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta wants ‘consistency and quality’ from his side 🔴 pic.twitter.com/VRFkUPRrOO
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 20, 2025
01:31 PM BST
Ready for action
01:06 PM BST
Arteta planning ahead for PSG
This looks to me like Arteta is preparing his team for the Champions League semi-final against PSG. Thomas Partey is suspended for the first leg, and Jorginho is injured, which means that Declan Rice will likely have to drop deeper into the midfield holding role.
The knock-on effect of that change is a shift for Mikel Merino, back into the midfield three. This means Leandro Trossard comes into the team as the centre-forward. By playing these players today, it gives them a chance to adjust to these tweaks in positioning.
12:53 PM BST
Ipswich team news
One change for Ipswich from their 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge: Jacob Greaves replaces Cameron Burgess in defence. Liam Delap has a rib injury and is only fit enough to be on the bench.
COYB! 💪#IPSARSpic.twitter.com/V6RIJDTpYQ
— Ipswich Town (@IpswichTown) April 20, 2025
12:52 PM BST
Arsenal team news
Mikel Arteta has made three changes to the side that won in Madrid. Ben White, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Leandro Trossard replaces Jurrien Timber, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Thomas Partey. That means Mikel Merino will drop back into midfield.
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️
🔙 White returns to the XI
💪 Zinchenko in at left-back
🪄 Trossard leads the lineLet’s do this, Gunners 👊
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 20, 2025
12:33 PM BST
Arsenal’s unsung heroes a triumph of Arteta’s coaching
By Sam Dean
It is one thing to dismantle Real Madrid, the European champions, in a two-leg knockout tie. It is another thing entirely to do so without a recognised striker, without arguably your best central defender and with a teenager at left-back who had never even played in defence before this season.
Truly, Arsenal’s victory over Madrid was the ultimate triumph of coaching and culture. It was Mikel Arteta’s finest hour as Arsenal manager, not only because of the magnitude of the result, but also because of the circumstances in which it was achieved.
Imagine telling a group of 100 Arsenal supporters in August that their team would win at the Santiago Bernabéu with Mikel Merino as their centre-forward, Jakub Kiwior in defence and Myles Lewis-Skelly at left-back. How many of those 100 would believe you? It is entirely possible that some of those fans would not have even heard of Lewis-Skelly. He did not make his first-team debut until late September, after all.
12:29 PM BST
Good afternoon
Hello and welcome to Telegraph Sport’s live, minute-by-minute coverage of Ipswich Town v Arsenal. After the euphoria of victory at the Bernabeu, Arsenal have a more mundane day’s work ahead at Portman Road. They need at least a draw to ensure Liverpool can’t win the Premier League today; and, more importantly in the medium-term, they need a win to move closer to securing Champions League football next season.
The likeliest scenario is that Arsenal will finish second for the third year in a row, but a bad result today would leave them looking over their shoulder. There are only six points between Arsenal in second and Aston Villa in sixth.
“Our last two draws have significantly changed the perspective, and credit to Newcastle for the form that they are in and the way they’ve been playing as well,” said Mikel Arteta before Newcastle’s defeat at Villa last night. “I understand where Ipswich are at the moment and they’re playing at home and it is one of the few chances that they have left. But for us it’s a big game.
“We need to step up and start to win football matches in the Premier League to at least maintain the position that we are in and to push into the last few games with some hope. We know how tough it’s going to be. They are a really well-organised team.
“What Kieran (McKenna) and the staff have done is remarkable and you see every week how they perform and the amount of issues they give to the opposition. So we expect a tough game.”
Ipswich, 14 points from safety with six games to play, are heading back to the Championship. But, like Arsenal and the title, they want to delay the inevitable for as long as possible.
Kick off 2pm.
Today’s settings.
📍 Portman Road pic.twitter.com/ZSyh8T9H2G
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 20, 2025
With nine days until their Champions League semi-final against Paris St-Germain, Arsenal arrived at Portman Road and effectively used Ipswich Town as their training cones. That might sound blunt but this was a blunt beating, with Mikel Arteta’s side scoring twice in the first 30 minutes and then cruising to an entirely straightforward victory from there.
It helped their cause that relegation-doomed Ipswich were reduced to 10 men long before the half-time whistle, as a result of an unpleasant Leif Davis challenge which raked the heel of Bukayo Saka. Ipswich’s hopes of a comeback were already slim and that red card made them non-existent.
For Arsenal this was much more than a simple confidence-booster, though. It could prove to be a genuinely useful afternoon for Arteta, who reshuffled his midfield and attack seemingly in preparation for the clash with PSG.
Arsenal will be without the suspended Thomas Partey for the first leg on April 29, which is likely to mean significant changes. Here, we had a glimpse of those expected alterations as Leandro Trossard played in the central attacking position. Against admittedly limited opposition, the Belgian excelled with two goals and plenty of probing movement.
Trossard has not been a starter in big matches recently but he undoubtedly has the quality to make an impact in the Champions League. He remains probably Arsenal’s most clinical finisher and he produced two sharp efforts here, either side of half-time.
Trossard has established himself as a decisive player against defensive, deep-lying opponents. He has now been directly involved in 11 goals (five goals, six assists) in his last 13 games against promoted teams.
“He is ready to play in any position,” said Arteta, who has been managing injury issues throughout this season. “We have to make certain adjustments, not because of PSG but because of the situation we had with Thomas and a few other players. But that’s good because the team shows adaptability and versatility, for certain players to play in different positions. That’s very much needed, especially when we have the numbers that we have at the moment.”
Trossard’s return to the line-up triggered a redeployment of Mikel Merino, who has spent much of the past few months as an emergency centre-forward. This was a reminder that he remains primarily a central midfielder, with the Spaniard impressing in the first half and producing one of the most eye-catching assists of the campaign.
Merino in midfield, Trossard in attack and Declan Rice patrolling in a deep-lying position. Was this the blueprint for PSG? Arteta would never say as much but it certainly seemed to be the case here, and the Arsenal manager will be delighted with the defensive control and offensive threat that his team offered.
Arteta was also a relieved man. Saka could easily have been injured by the Davis tackle, especially because he did not see it coming. The England winger was walking gingerly at full time but Arteta said there was no need to worry.
“It was a bit sore but it’s nothing serious,” said Arteta. “I don’t think it’s intentional at all, but it’s dangerous because he cannot really react to anything, because you cannot see him [Davis] coming.”
Kieran McKenna had no objections to the red card, but did make clear that Davis would never have wanted to hurt Saka. “I don’t think he has a malicious bone in his body,” said McKenna, whose side are all but relegated after 20 defeats in 33 games.
Would the outcome have been any different without the red card? Probably not, although it would have been a much more engaging contest for the home supporters. Long before the end, the excitement had been drained from this arena. Ipswich finished the match with four shots and 199 completed passes, compared to Arsenal’s 24 shots and 675 completed passes. Ipswich had five touches in the opposition box, compared to Arsenal’s 71.
Arsenal were excellent in the opening exchanges, pulling Ipswich apart and dragging their midfielders into places they simply did not want to go. The opening goal came when Saka’s cross was diverted by Martin Odegaard into Trossard, who fired between the blue-shirted bodies.
The second was the best of the four, by some distance. Merino bounded forward from midfield, twice looked over his shoulder to see Gabriel Martinelli’s positioning and then backheeled Saka’s cross into the Brazilian’s path. If Merino meant it, it was a wonderful piece of creative play.
Rice found Trossard for the third after the break, by which time the 10 men of Ipswich had retreated into ultra-defensive mode. They had no other choice, really, and defended relatively well to prevent Arsenal from scoring six or seven. There was to be only one more goal, as teenager Ethan Nwaneri’s deflected effort brought his ninth goal of a thrilling breakout campaign.
04:27 PM BST
Leicester v Liverpool – live!
The champions-elect are about to kick off at the King Power Stadium. You can follow that one with Rob Bagchi.
04:18 PM BST
That winning feeling
04:09 PM BST
Watch: Fluke or assist of the season?
Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino produced one of the season’s most impressive assists with a fabulous backheel to Gabriel Martinelli against Ipswich Town.
Merino’s flick, which allowed Martinelli to give Arsenal a 2-0 lead at Portman Road, marked a continuation of the Spaniard’s excellent form in the final third. He also created two goals in Arsenal’s victory over Real Madrid in midweek.
However, only Merino can say whether he intended for the backheel to find its way to Martinelli.
Here, Telegraph Sport breaks down what could be – if Merino meant it – one of the most intelligent goals of the campaign so far.
03:58 PM BST
FT: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 4
Arsenal have ensured that Liverpool will have to wait to be crowned champions. They were totally dominant, even before Ipswich were reduced to 10 men in the first half, and could easily have scored six or seven. They had to settle for two from Leandro Trossard and one apiece from Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri.
The only slight concern for Arsenal is the state of Bukayo Saka’s achilles after an unpleasant tackle for which Leif Davis was sent off. Saka continued for another half an hour but had an icepack on his leg when he came off and was moving a bit gingerly at the final whistle.
03:55 PM BST
90+3 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 4
Zinchenko whistles a shot just over the bar after another short corner.
03:55 PM BST
90+2 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 4
More stats for you: that’s Ethan Nwaneri’s ninth goal of the season. It has been a fabulous breakout season for the teenager.
“A scoreline that reflects the Arsenal dominance” 💪
Ethan Nwaneri makes it FOUR! 🔴 pic.twitter.com/UaQbCGPVXx
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 20, 2025
03:52 PM BST
90 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 4
Ipswich substitution Conor Chaplin comes on for Sam Morsy.
Four minutes of added time.
03:51 PM BST
Goal!
88 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 4 (Nwaneri) Ethan Nwaneri gets in on the act with a shot that deflects off both O’Shea and Burgess before wrongfooting Palmer. I think the original shot was on target; if so, that’s Nwaneri’s fourth Premier League goal of the season.
03:50 PM BST
87 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 3
Odegaard, 20 yards out, makes room for a low shot that beats the sprawling Palmer and hits the inside of the post.
Seconds later, Palmer makes a terrific save to deny the debutant Butler-Oyedeji. It was a fine effort, a snapshot from 15 yards that Palmer fingertipped over the bar.
03:49 PM BST
86 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 3
Zinchenko is fouled 30 yards from goal by Morsy. With Rice off the field, Zinchenko is going to take it… and he hits the wall.
03:46 PM BST
83 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 3
Arsenal substitution Leandro Trossard, excellent as always, is replaced by Nathan Butler-Oyedeji. This is his Premier League debut.
03:44 PM BST
82 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 3
Double substitution for Ipswich Liam Delap and Massimo Luongo replace George Hirst and Jens Cajuste.
03:43 PM BST
80 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 3
Lewis-Skelly springs into the area and cracks a shot that deflects behind off Greaves. I think it was going wide anyway but Greaves, who has made several fine blocks today, wasn’t to know that.
03:38 PM BST
76 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 3
Ipswich’s relegation is likely to be confirmed next weekend, when they go to Newcastle, Wolves host Leicester and West Ham visit Brighton.
Wolves have just taken the lead at Old Trafford but technically Ipswich could still finish above West Ham on goal difference.
03:35 PM BST
73 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 3
Double substitution for Arsenal Kieran Tierney and Raheem Sterling replace Declan Rice and Gabriel Martinelli. That means Arsenal’s midfield is now Odegaard, Zinchenko and Lewis-Skelly.
03:34 PM BST
72 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 3
That Declan Rice assist means this is now his most productive campaign in the final third. He’s up to 17 goals and assists in all competitions.
03:32 PM BST
Goal!
69 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 3 (Trossard) Two for Trossard, three for Arsenal. Rice and Odegaard worked a short corner before Rice pushed the ball into the area for Trossard, who arrowed a shot through Burgess’s legs and into the far corner. He is such an accomplished finisher.
Leandro Trossard grabs a brace! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/JVXHoqPC92
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 20, 2025
03:31 PM BST
68 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 2
Trossard wriggles away from a couple of defenders before having his shot deflected behind. From the resulting corner, Martinelli’s effort is blocked by the outrushing Greaves.
03:27 PM BST
64 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 2
Ipswich are starting to have one or two moments in attack. A free-kick is headed down towards Taylor, who pokes a shot that is well blocked by Rice.
03:25 PM BST
63 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 2
Nwaneri plays a neat one-two with White and hits a shot that is crucially blocked by the sliding Greaves. Ipswich certainly haven’t waved the white flag; that’s the second potentially goal-saving intervention since half-time.
Moments later, Odegaard makes space for a long-range curler that is comfortably saved to his right by Palmer.
03:23 PM BST
61 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 2
Saka is having an icepack strapped to his right leg after that nasty challenge from Davis. You’d assume that’s just a precaution; if they were worried about an injury he would have come off in the first half.
03:20 PM BST
57 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 2
Double substitution for Arsenal Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri replace Mikel Merino and Bukayo Saka. That means Zinchenko will move into midfield, although in truth he’s spent most of the game there.
03:19 PM BST
56 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 2
Just wide from Hirst! A really good attack from Ipswich. Morsy surges past Rice and pings a long pass out to Hirst on the left. He cuts into the area, gets away from Saliba and shoots fractionally wide of the far post.
03:18 PM BST
56 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 2
The tempo is starting to drop slightly. The last few minutes have been like a training exercise, 10 attackers v nine defenders.
03:15 PM BST
53 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 2
Saka stands up a superb cross that is taken off Merino’s head by Tuanzebe. Excellent defending that probably saved a goal.
03:14 PM BST
51 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 2
Morsy reacts angrily after being fouled by Merino, but there’s nothing much to it and he soon calms down.
03:12 PM BST
50 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 2
Gabriel Martinelli is the fourth-youngest player in Arsenal’s history to score 5️⃣0️⃣ goals across all competitions:
Bukayo Saka – 22Y 159D
Cesc Fàbregas – 23Y 134D
Theo Walcott – 23Y 235D
Gabriel Martinelli – 23Y 306D💻 @Squawkapic.twitter.com/jgzQjKUd9P
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 20, 2025
03:11 PM BST
49 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 2
There’s no sense yet of Arsenal putting their feet up with future challenges in mind. Since half-time they have swarmed all over Ipswich, who are struggling to get out of their third never mind their half.
03:10 PM BST
47 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 2
A neat short corner on the left from Arsenal ends Odegaard blasting a cross-shot that is kicked behind at the near post by Palmer.
03:09 PM BST
46 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 2
They’re back under way at Portman Road. Ipswich have brought on Jack Taylor for Julio Enciso, a substitution to file under ‘damage limitation’.
03:08 PM BST
Merino goes back to the day job
That first half was a little reminder from Mikel Merino that, for all his success in attack, he will be an important player in midfield over the next few seasons. He’s won nine of his 13 duels (the most of anyone on the pitch), made the most tackles and threatened in the box.
02:51 PM BST
HT: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 2
An Easter stroll for Arsenal, who have been superb and could easily lead by more. Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli got the goals, and Ipswich’s task went from almost to entirely impossible when Leif Davis was given a straight red card for an unpleasant tackle on Bukayo Saka.
02:47 PM BST
45 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 2
Five minutes of added time.
02:45 PM BST
44 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 2
Saka has missed another great chance! This is all a bit bizarre. Trossard cut the ball back to Saka, who shot well wide from eight yards.
Actually, replays suggest it might have taken a touch off O’Shea, though a goalkick was given.
02:44 PM BST
43 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 2
White has a shot blocked, then Saka – still being booed – drags a cross-shot from a tight angle that is comfortably saved by Palmer.
02:43 PM BST
41 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 2
Ipswich were struggling to get out when they had 11 men, so it’s even tougher now. Arsenal have had 77 per cent possession and could break the Premier League record for a full game. I think the record is around 83 per cent.
02:39 PM BST
38 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 2
Wild cheers from the home fans as Saka misses a sitter. Merino found him unmarked, 12 yards out, but he clipped his shot wide of the far post.
02:38 PM BST
36 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 2
Saka, who is now being booed, cuts inside and whips a trademark curler just wide of the far post. Lovely effort. Quite why he’s being booed for wearing Davis’s studs in the back of his leg is beyond me.
02:37 PM BST
36 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 2
Leif Davis was given a hearty round of applause as he left the field of play but I imagine the majority of Ipswich supporters will reassess their view when they see the replays of that foul on Bukayo Saka. Looked a nasty one. Nowhere near the ball.
🗣️ “He’s nowhere near the ball!”
Leif Davis has been sent off for this challenge on Bukayo Saka! 🟥 pic.twitter.com/CDIYc1wR5J
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 20, 2025
02:36 PM BST
35 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 2
Ipswich substitution The red card means a reshuffle for Ipswich: Cameron Burgess replaces Jack Clarke.
02:35 PM BST
34 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 2
Saks is back on his feet and seems to be okay. If there’s any doubt, Mikel Arteta will surely take him off. This game is done and the first leg against PSG is only nine da
02:33 PM BST
Red card! Davis sent off
32 min Ipswich are down to 10 men. Davis plants his studs into Saka’s achilles and Chris Kavanagh rightly shows him a straight red. It’s a wretched tackle and Saka is still down.
02:30 PM BST
Goal!
28 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 2 (Martinelli) Liverpool won’t be winning the Premier League title today. Arsenal have been brilliant and now they lead by two. Trossard lobs a pass down the right to Saka, who scorches past Greaves and cuts the ball back towards Merino. He flicks it behind his standing leg and Martinelli arrives at the far post to finish gleefully. That’s his 50th goal for Arsenal – and Arsenal’s 100th goal of the season in all competitions.
“Arsenal SCYTHE through Ipswich to a second!” 🎙️
Gabriel Martinelli doubles Arsenal’s advantage at Portman Road 💥 pic.twitter.com/6543gCQ0Eo
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 20, 2025
02:26 PM BST
25 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 1
Merino is penalised for a cynical foul on Enciso. He could easily have been booked for that.
02:25 PM BST
24 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 1
Chance for Arsenal! A wicked inswinging corner from Saka is headed over by Merino. He was only a few yards out but couldn’t quite get over the ball to keep the header down.
02:24 PM BST
23 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 1
Martinelli, fed by Saka, zips onto his left foot and drives a cross-shot that is well blocked by Tuanzebe.
02:23 PM BST
22 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 1
Ipswich play through the Arsenal press to release Johnson on the right. His cross is headed away to Clarke, who shoots over from 20 yards.
02:20 PM BST
18 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 1
Trossard’s shot from the edge of the area nicks off a defender and flies over the bar. The referee gives a goalkick but I’m pretty sure it was deflected.
02:19 PM BST
16 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 1
Arsenal have been really deliberate in their attempts to draw Ipswich up the pitch, playing short passes in their backline and tempting the Ipswich attackers forward. They laid the trap there and then darted in behind when the space opened up. Another neat finish by Trossard.
Arsenal LEAD! 🔴
Clinical from Leandro Trossard! 🎯 pic.twitter.com/nQJjD2SGGN
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 20, 2025
02:16 PM BST
Goal!
14 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 1 (Trossard) A deadly counter-attack from Arsenal. Zinchenko cracks a crossfield pass to Odegaard, who runs to the edge of the area and feeds Saka on the outside. His cutback is miscontrolled by Odegaard and runs to Trossard, who is being manhandled by Morsy but manages to push a clever shot through the legs of O’Shea and into the net. That’s a neat finish.
02:14 PM BST
13 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 0
“Declan Rice/We got him half price” sing the Arsenal fans when he wins an important challenge on the edge of the Arsenal area.
02:13 PM BST
12 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 0
Trossard lifts a clever pass into the area for Martinelli, who fresh-airs his shot under pressure from Tuanzebe. The angle was tight but it was still a chance.
02:11 PM BST
9 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 0
Ipswich have their first attack. Enciso cuts in from the left and wallops a shot that knocks White off his feet. He stays down for about 30 seconds and then gets to his feet.
02:09 PM BST
8 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 0
Arsenal have had 95 per cent of the possession so far. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that before, even so early in a game.
02:08 PM BST
6 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 0
Chance for Arsenal! Saka plays a slick one-two with Odegaard and finds Trossard eight yards out. His shot is crucially blocked by Tuanzebe and deflects behind for a corner.
Arsenal have started this game superbly.
02:07 PM BST
Revealed: Premier League clubs charging thousands for children to be mascots
Premier League clubs are charging as much as £1,800 for children to be mascots at games, prompting fierce criticism from MPs and campaigners.
The most expensive package has surged 157 per cent since clubs previously stood accused of neglecting low-income families in a Telegraph Sport analysis in 2020.
Half of top-tier clubs now hand all places out for free, but Nottingham Forest, Brighton, Crystal Palace, Ipswich and West Ham are still charging rates branded “exploitative” by critics.
Clubs vehemently defend their pricing policies, pointing out hospitality and kit is often provided and free spaces are also handed out to the community.
02:05 PM BST
4 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 0
Lots of early possession for Arsenal, who are playing with a post-Bernabeu glow. At times this season they have been a bit subdued, but right now their confidence is sky-high.
02:03 PM BST
2 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 0
Odegaard sprays a nice pass out to Martinelli on the left. His cross is headed away by Greaves at the far post.
02:01 PM BST
1 min: Ipswich 0 Arsenal 0
Ipswich kick off from left to right as we watch.
01:55 PM BST
Five minutes to kick off
I must say, there’s a lovely end-of-season feel to this one. Sun’s out, summery music is playing on the loudspeakers and everyone here knows that this match is not going to be particularly meaningful to the fate of either team. Hopefully the players feel able to let loose and produce an entertaining 90 minutes.
01:45 PM BST
Mikel Arteta’s pre-match thoughts
This week is very important. We have to focus on the Premier League and show the consistency and quality to win games. The performances [in the last two games] were good but there were some small details that slipped away from us.
Ipswich are very consistent in their behaviours – they are so well-coached, very well organised. They are a real threat, like every Premier League team.
“We have to focus on the Premier League”
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta wants ‘consistency and quality’ from his side 🔴 pic.twitter.com/VRFkUPRrOO
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 20, 2025
01:31 PM BST
Ready for action
01:06 PM BST
Arteta planning ahead for PSG
This looks to me like Arteta is preparing his team for the Champions League semi-final against PSG. Thomas Partey is suspended for the first leg, and Jorginho is injured, which means that Declan Rice will likely have to drop deeper into the midfield holding role.
The knock-on effect of that change is a shift for Mikel Merino, back into the midfield three. This means Leandro Trossard comes into the team as the centre-forward. By playing these players today, it gives them a chance to adjust to these tweaks in positioning.
12:53 PM BST
Ipswich team news
One change for Ipswich from their 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge: Jacob Greaves replaces Cameron Burgess in defence. Liam Delap has a rib injury and is only fit enough to be on the bench.
COYB! 💪#IPSARSpic.twitter.com/V6RIJDTpYQ
— Ipswich Town (@IpswichTown) April 20, 2025
12:52 PM BST
Arsenal team news
Mikel Arteta has made three changes to the side that won in Madrid. Ben White, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Leandro Trossard replaces Jurrien Timber, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Thomas Partey. That means Mikel Merino will drop back into midfield.
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️
🔙 White returns to the XI
💪 Zinchenko in at left-back
🪄 Trossard leads the lineLet’s do this, Gunners 👊
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 20, 2025
12:33 PM BST
Arsenal’s unsung heroes a triumph of Arteta’s coaching
By Sam Dean
It is one thing to dismantle Real Madrid, the European champions, in a two-leg knockout tie. It is another thing entirely to do so without a recognised striker, without arguably your best central defender and with a teenager at left-back who had never even played in defence before this season.
Truly, Arsenal’s victory over Madrid was the ultimate triumph of coaching and culture. It was Mikel Arteta’s finest hour as Arsenal manager, not only because of the magnitude of the result, but also because of the circumstances in which it was achieved.
Imagine telling a group of 100 Arsenal supporters in August that their team would win at the Santiago Bernabéu with Mikel Merino as their centre-forward, Jakub Kiwior in defence and Myles Lewis-Skelly at left-back. How many of those 100 would believe you? It is entirely possible that some of those fans would not have even heard of Lewis-Skelly. He did not make his first-team debut until late September, after all.
12:29 PM BST
Good afternoon
Hello and welcome to Telegraph Sport’s live, minute-by-minute coverage of Ipswich Town v Arsenal. After the euphoria of victory at the Bernabeu, Arsenal have a more mundane day’s work ahead at Portman Road. They need at least a draw to ensure Liverpool can’t win the Premier League today; and, more importantly in the medium-term, they need a win to move closer to securing Champions League football next season.
The likeliest scenario is that Arsenal will finish second for the third year in a row, but a bad result today would leave them looking over their shoulder. There are only six points between Arsenal in second and Aston Villa in sixth.
“Our last two draws have significantly changed the perspective, and credit to Newcastle for the form that they are in and the way they’ve been playing as well,” said Mikel Arteta before Newcastle’s defeat at Villa last night. “I understand where Ipswich are at the moment and they’re playing at home and it is one of the few chances that they have left. But for us it’s a big game.
“We need to step up and start to win football matches in the Premier League to at least maintain the position that we are in and to push into the last few games with some hope. We know how tough it’s going to be. They are a really well-organised team.
“What Kieran (McKenna) and the staff have done is remarkable and you see every week how they perform and the amount of issues they give to the opposition. So we expect a tough game.”
Ipswich, 14 points from safety with six games to play, are heading back to the Championship. But, like Arsenal and the title, they want to delay the inevitable for as long as possible.
Kick off 2pm.
Today’s settings.
📍 Portman Road pic.twitter.com/ZSyh8T9H2G
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 20, 2025
