Arteta’s PSG plans on track after Arsenal cruise past Ipswich
Arsenal built on their Champions League momentum with a comfortable 4-0 victory over Ipswich Town in the Premier League on Sunday.
Fresh off their triumph over Real Madrid in the quarter-finals, Mikel Arteta named a strong starting XI at Portman Road, including eight players who featured in the midweek clash at the Bernabéu. With a Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain looming, the match served as both preparation and an opportunity to maintain form.
Bukayo Saka gained valuable minutes as he continues his recovery from injury, while Leandro Trossard led the line. Declan Rice anchored midfield, with Mikel Merino playing ahead of him. Despite the benefits of a strong lineup, there was some risk involved—highlighted when Ipswich’s Leif Davis was shown a red card for a reckless challenge on Saka in the first half.
Arsenal were in control from the start. Trossard opened the scoring after a brilliant run from Martin Ødegaard and a cutback from Saka. Gabriel Martinelli doubled the lead with his 50th goal for the club before Davis’s sending-off tilted the game further in Arsenal’s favour. Trossard struck again after the break, and teenager Ethan Nwaneri added a late fourth to seal the result.
With Crystal Palace visiting the Emirates on Wednesday, Arteta will be looking for another strong performance before welcoming PSG for the first leg on April 29.
