Arsenal Aims For Trophies In 2025 Following Narrow Victory Over Ipswich Town

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Declan Rice is optimistic about Arsenal's prospects for the upcoming year, following their narrow 1-0 victory over Ipswich Town. Kai Havertz scored the decisive goal at Emirates Stadium, propelling Mikel Arteta's team to second place, just six points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool. Arsenal remains unbeaten at home this season and aims to surpass their runner-up finishes to Manchester City in the past two seasons.

Rice expressed satisfaction with Arsenal's progress in 2024 but emphasised the need for silverware. "It has been a good year. We have done well, but it is not what we want," he told Amazon Prime. "Hopefully, the new year brings trophies, to make that next step to be amongst the elite. We can keep winning games, but it doesn't mean anything if you don't win anything."

Arsenal extended their unbeaten streak at home in the Premier League to 12 matches and secured a fourth consecutive clean sheet at Emirates Stadium for the first time since December 2021. Havertz commented on the importance of home victories: "[Ipswich] didn't have a proper chance, so we controlled the game well. Home games are so important to us and we feel the energy."

Mikel Arteta praised his team's ability to manage without Bukayo Saka, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury from last weekend's match against Crystal Palace. He acknowledged areas for improvement despite winning against Ipswich. "Frustration when you win? No. Things to improve? Yes," he said.

Arteta highlighted Arsenal's ambition to close the gap with Liverpool, who have a game in hand over them. He noted that despite injuries and playing with ten men on several occasions this season, Arsenal remains competitive. "Considering all the circumstances we had this season - it's good to be in the position that we are, but it's not where we want to be," he stated.

Reflecting on their performance against Ipswich, Rice mentioned Arsenal's struggle against defensive setups like a 5-4-1 formation. "I think it has been constant thing for us - dominating games, but teams have been coming here with a low block - it is tough to break down," he explained.

The victory over Ipswich was crucial as Arteta acknowledged his team's dominance in the first half and their challenges in breaking down well-organised opponents in the second half. Despite these hurdles, Arsenal remains focused on achieving their ultimate goal of securing first place.