Mikel Arteta was pleased with the way his side controlled a tight game against Ipswich as Arsenal secured a 1-0 win and climbed to second place in the Premier League.

Kai Havertz gave the Gunners the lead midway through the first half when he converted Leandro Trossard’s cross from close range and the home side were happy to press their advantage as they kept the visitors at bay for the rest of the game.

Arsenal had opportunities to take better control of the game, but Gabriel Magalhaes headed wide from Declan Rice’s corner and the latter had a well-taken first-time shot from close range saved.

“It was what it was,” Arteta told BBC Sport after an uninspiring game.

“We were super dominant, especially in the first half. We created some good chances. If anything, we should have had more than one. We didn’t start the second half particularly well and gave the ball away after kick-off.

“Thanks to them. They were really well organized, really well trained. You have to score the second goal in this league. In the last few minutes they start to flow forward, play more direct and above all the feeling that anything can happen in the end – we hate it.”

Following the loss of Bukayo Saka to a long-term hamstring injury – the manager revealed this evening that the England international had undergone surgery for the problem – attention turned to how the Gunners would cope without their talismanic right winger.

In the end, Arteta asked Gabriel Martinelli to step in and the Brazilian was busy, if not particularly effective.

“Very good,” was the manager’s assessment. “It will be different. We had moments in the first half and even better moments in the second half. The moments are new and it will take time for us to understand each other. I think (Martinelli) did well.”

Today’s win means Arsenal complete 2024 having won the most games and points in the Premier League over the last 12 months. They have also scored the most goals and conceded the fewest goals. Still, after finishing second behind Manchester City last season and Liverpool by six points this year, they still have everything to do to prove those who don’t believe they can win the title wrong.

“Considering the circumstances we’ve had this season, the frequency with which we’ve had to play with ten men, the injuries, the congestion of fixtures… it’s good, but we don’t want to be there – we want to be first,” said Arteta.