Arsenal half time player ratings - 'Engine' 9/10 but 'over eager' 6 against Ipswich Town

A dominant Arsenal side are on track to return to second in the Premier League on Friday evening with an early 1-0 lead over Ipswich Town at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners have dominated against the Tractor Boys with Kai Havertz the difference maker so far, finding himself on the scoresheet after 23 minutes. The German international was alert enough to latch onto a dangerous Leandro Trossard cross to make the spell of possession count.

Kieran McKenna’s side did have a half chance in the opening minutes when Sammie Szmodics came close to making contact with a cross, but that was the only moment to cause Mikel Arteta any concern at the break. Here’s how the Arsenal players rated in the first half.

Arsenal player ratings

GK - David Raya, 7

Has had very little to do. That Ipswich chance in the opening minutes wasn’t really much of a threat but he could have looked more comfortable when that fizzed through.

LB - Myles Lewis-Skelly, 8

Getting more and more impressive each week. The way he moves with that low centre of gravity makes him so hard to dispossess.

CB - William Saliba, 8

Looks well in control, picking out some nice balls from defence.

CB - Gabriel, 8

Also unthreatened. Causing his usual nuisance in the opposition area from set plays.

RB - Jurrien Timber, 8

Clearly has a licence to roam tonight, cutting in from full back and driving up the pitch. One of those runs led to a decent long distance shot but that was a fairly easy save for Muric in goal.

CM - Martin Odegaard, 7

Perhaps missing the chemistry he has with Bukayo Saka but looks hard to stop when he does get going.

CM - Declan Rice, 8

Covering a lot of ground tonight, dropping deep to collect the ball from defence and driving forward. Enjoying the space afforded to him by Ipswich in the engine room.

CM - Kai Havertz, 8

Not hugely involved in the Arsenal build-up play, lurking on the edge of the box. In the right place at the right time to prod home from Trossard’s cross, showing the progress in his goalscoring knowhow.

LW - Leandro Trossard, 8

A little too casual with a chance in the 13th minute when he had but lost the space to get a shot off. Flexed his pace to get to the lien and pull back for the Gunners’ opener.

ST - Gabriel Jesus, 6

Some nice work in the penalty box, Jesus clearly has the bit between his teeth at the moment after last week’s goal glut. Couldn’t quite hold is run well enough when breaking through after 34 minutes, perhaps over eager in that moment.

RW - Gabriel Martinelli, 7

All eyes on the winger as he fills in for Bukayo Saka. The Brazilian perhaps lacks the directness of the Gunners’ starboy but he’s seeing plenty of the ball.