The Gunners eased to victory at Portman Road to delay Liverpool's title coronation for at least a few more days
Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka were among the stars as Arsenal romped to a 4-0 win over 10-man Ipswich Town in Suffolk.
The Gunners dominated proceedings right from the off, and could have taken the lead in the sixth minute when Bukayo Saka squared the ball to Leandro Trossard after a neat one-two with Martin Odegaard, but the Belgian took a touch instead of shooting first time, and his close-range effort was then blocked.
Trossard made amends a few minutes later, though, with a Saka pass taking a touch off Odegaard before falling at the former Brighton man's feet, and he managed to steer home a low shot despite being closely marked by two Ipswich defenders in the box. Arsenal then almost made it two when Saka floated over a deep corner, but a flying Mikel Merino headed over from barely two yards out.
The visitors didn't have to wait long for another goal, though, as Gabriel Martinelli finished off a typically fluid move after more good work from Saka down the right, with Merino producing a classy flick to find the Brazilian.
Ipswich's task was then made even more difficult when Leif Davis was sent off for a horror tackle on Saka, who was able to play on despite feeling studs rake down on his Achilles. Merino sent Saka through on goal moments later, but the England international missed the chance to rub salt in Ipswich's wounds as he shot well wide of the far post.
Mikel Arteta's side continued to dominate at the start of the second half, with Odegaard going close to a third, while Ipswich created their first meaningful opening 55 minutes in, as George Hirst cut into the box from the right, but his strike just flew past the post.
Saka then went off, still feeling the effects of Davis' challenge, but the loss of their star winger didn't halt Arsenal's momentum. Trossard doubled his account in the 70th minute with another poacher's strike after being teed up by Declan Rice just outside the six-yard box to put the game beyond all doubt. There was still time for one more, too, as substitute Ethan Nwaneri marked an impressive cameo with a deflected goal to round off a comprehensive victory.
The result ensures that Arsenal delay Liverpool's title party for at least a few more days and put some distance between themselves and the rest of the top-four chasers.
GOAL rates Arsenal's players from Portman Road…
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David Raya (6/10):
Very boring afternoon for the Spaniard. Ipswich unable to test him with a half-fit Delap forced onto the bench.
Ben White (6/10):
Steady if unspectacular afternoon for the 27-year-old, who linked up well with Saka down the right and was rarely troubled defensively.
William Saliba (6/10):
Typically assured display from the Frenchman. Cut out any danger before Ipswich could get any rhythm going in attack and played the ball out from the back with unerring confidence.
Jakub Kiwior (6/10):
Continued his impressive recent form with another solid showing, with Hirst faring just as badly against the Polish star as Kylian Mbappe did at the Bernabeu.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (6/10):
Didn't put a foot wrong with his passing, and even set up Nwaneri's late goal. Kept Johnson in his back pocket.
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Martin Odegaard (7/10):
Masterful display from the Norwegian playmaker. Orchestrated Arsenal's best moves and constantly found space in behind enemy lines.
Declan Rice (6/10):
Dropped back into the No.6 role after his exploits in Madrid, and kept things ticking over nicely, despite one or two uncharacteristically sloppy moments.
Mikel Merino (6/10):
Also asked to revert to midfield, the Spaniard still managed to wreak havoc with his runs forward in the first-half, and produced a brilliant assist for Arsenal's second goal. Subbed in the 56th minute.
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Bukayo Saka (6/10):
Constant menace on his first Premier League start for the Gunners since December 21. Created several big chances, but was also guilty of wasting a couple himself. Came off early due to still feeling the effects of the awful tackle from Davis.
Leandro Trossard (8/10):
Essential to Arsenal's link-up play operating in the false nine slot. Took his goals brilliantly and was a unlucky not to score a hat-trick.
Gabriel Martinelli (7/10):
Became the fourth youngest Arsenal player in the Premier League era to reach 50 goals when he slotted home in the first half. Had the beating of Axel Tuanzebe all afternoon.
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Ethan Nwaneri (7/10):
Classy performance. Rounded off the victory with superb solo goal, albeit with the aid of a deflection.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (7/10):
Always lively, and did a decent job when shifted into midfield after Rice was taken off late on.
Raheem Sterling (5/10):
Came on for final 20 minutes but once again struggled to make any impact in final third.
Kieran Tierney (6/10):
Brought up 100th appearance for Arsenal and worked hard in his short time on the pitch.
Nathan Butler-Oyedeji (N/A):
Thrown on for Premier League debut in final 10 minutes. Almost marked the occasion with a goal, but saw his fierce shot parried behind.
Mikel Arteta (5/10):
Very lucky Saka didn't suffer another serious injury. Didn't need to start with such a strong side, and would be wise to give Saka a rest against Crystal Palace.
