The festive season always brings intriguing twists to the Premier League, and this year is no exception.
With Liverpool currently six points clear at the top, history offers a mixed outlook for Arsenal’s title hopes. Of the 32 teams to sit atop the table on Christmas Day, 16 have gone on to lift the trophy. For Arsenal, who find themselves in third place, closing that gap remains a challenging but achievable task. The Gunners are well aware of how unforgiving title races can be, having themselves fallen short on four occasions after leading at Christmas. However, their resounding 5-1 victory at Crystal Palace last weekend showed they’re not ready to concede ground just yet.
That dominant display in South London wasn’t without its setbacks. Bukayo Saka, a cornerstone of Mikel Arteta’s attack, left the field with an injury that has Arteta “pretty worried.” Losing such a key player ahead of the demanding festive schedule is far from ideal, especially with Arsenal set to face Ipswich Town in their first league encounter since April 2002. Yet the Gunners’ form at the Emirates Stadium offers a reassuring buffer. They remain unbeaten at home across all competitions this season and boast a formidable record against newly promoted sides, going 41 Premier League matches without defeat.
For Ipswich Town, a trip to the Emirates represents a daunting challenge, particularly in the wake of a heavy 4-0 home loss to Newcastle United. Manager Kieran McKenna would undoubtedly have preferred a more forgiving fixture during this packed period, but there’s a silver lining to Ipswich’s struggles. The Tractor Boys have fared better on the road, averaging a point per game in away matches compared to just 0.44 at home. This discrepancy, the largest in the league favoring away form, could offer some hope as they head to North London.
Ipswich’s recent away form includes victories in two of their last three trips, one of which came nearby with a hard-fought 2-1 win at Tottenham in November. However, facing Arsenal is a different beast entirely. The Tractor Boys’ record at Arsenal makes for grim reading; they haven’t managed an away league victory in this fixture since August 1979. Their struggles in North London have been long-standing, and overcoming those odds will require a monumental effort.
One key storyline in this matchup will be how Arsenal adapt without Saka. Gabriel Martinelli could step up as the primary attacking outlet, and his recent performances suggest he’s ready for the challenge. The Brazilian winger has developed a knack for late goals, with five of his last six home league strikes coming after the hour mark. On the other side, Ipswich will be relying on goalkeeper Arijanet Muric to stand tall, though his season has been plagued by errors leading to goals—five, more than any other Premier League player.
Arsenal’s consistency at home has been a cornerstone of their campaign. They are one of just two teams in the league not to have trailed at half-time in any home match this season, showcasing their ability to control games from the outset. While Ipswich have shown flashes of resilience on their travels, the task ahead is immense.
For Arsenal, this fixture offers a chance to maintain momentum in their pursuit of Liverpool, while Ipswich will be looking to spring an upset and perhaps gain a measure of redemption after their recent setback. As the holiday cheer fills the Emirates, fans will be eager to see whether the Gunners can continue their dominance or if the Tractor Boys can defy the odds and deliver a Christmas surprise.
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