Fri Dec 27 21:30:00 UTC 2024: ## Arsenal Climbs to Second in Premier League After Boxing Day Win
**London, England** – Arsenal secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ipswich Town on Boxing Day, climbing to second place in the Premier League. Kai Havertz’s 23rd-minute goal proved to be the difference, securing the three points for the Gunners despite a lack of further goals in a dominant performance.
The match was made even more special by the return of former Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla, who watched the game from the stands. Cazorla, who played 180 games for Arsenal over seven years, expressed his fondness for the Emirates Stadium before kickoff. “I miss playing in this incredible stadium,” he stated.
The Gunners were without injured winger Bukayo Saka (expected to be out for several weeks), but his absence was largely compensated by a strong performance from young left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly. A superb first-half partnership between Leandro Trossard and Havertz yielded the decisive goal. Trossard’s cross found Havertz in the box for a close-range finish, marking the German’s 12th goal of the season. A second goal was disallowed due to Gabriel Jesus being offside.
Despite numerous chances in the second half, particularly from set pieces, Arsenal failed to extend their lead. Gabriel Magalhães narrowly missed doubling the advantage with a header that grazed the post. However, a solid defensive performance, especially by Lewis-Skelly, kept Ipswich at bay.
The win puts Arsenal six points behind league leaders Liverpool, with a game in hand. They finish the year on a high note and face Brentford on New Year’s Day. Elsewhere, VAR intervened to deny Brentford a win against Brighton, ruling out Yoane Wissa’s goal for offside.
First Piper 