A first Grand Slam title in two decades understandably changes a lot of things. With just months to go before claiming the Premier League title, Arsenal have added a new sense of ease to their established identity, a confidence that allows them to change their perspective on every challenge that lies ahead. Each trophy is still as valuable as ever, but with the Gunners starting their EFL Cup campaign on Tuesday, the first trophy they compete for in England every season is now no longer a springboard to success – it’s now the latest competition they can use to prove they are the best team in the country, a label they already have the right to claim.
Last season’s title run was built on a slow but steady roster rebuilding project, and their greatest strength was their boasted depth. They are expected to show off that depth against Ipswich Town on Tuesday and manager Mikel Arteta will be free to rotate his options as they aim to progress to the next round.
While Arsenal have earned the right to view the season through rose-tinted glasses, Tuesday’s game provides an opportunity for Arteta and his team to try and finally address some of the issues they may have noticed early in the season, perhaps most notably, ensuring their attack remains effective when Arteta’s mainstay comes off the bench. He appears to have chosen Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Christo Zolis as his first-choice front three, with the trio starting each of the team’s first four Premier League games of the season. Saka and Havertz have always been capable of becoming regular players in the Championship side, having both struggled with injuries so far, while newcomer Zolis has earned his place with one assist in the league and many moments of brilliance.
How to watch Ipswich Town vs Arsenal odds
date: Tuesday 15th September | time: 3 p.m. ET
Place: Portman Road – Ipswich, England
live streaming: Paramount+
Odds: Ipswich Town +700; Draw +375; Arsenal -250
This version of the Gunners’ attack is currently in the top five of the Premier League with eight goals scored and 6.85 expected goals scored, not far behind most of the teams above them, and with the exception of Brighton and Hove Albion, their goal-scoring spree can be matched by few others. The current sample size without a trio is very small, limited to one Champions League game last week, a 1-0 win over Napoli. That game spoke for itself, though.
arsenal got a lot of In the Champions League opener, the team defeated Napoli 26 to 5, with an expected goals ratio of 4.05, while the opponent’s expected goals ratio was only 0.22. Saka played a big role with six shots on goal before Martin Odegaard finally scored the deserved winner. But it was a tough game and the Gunners were unlucky, largely due to the absence of Victor Jacques for 90 minutes.
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The Sweden international did not have a shot on target against Napoli and his performance was so surprising that he was only joined by centre-back Ezri Konsa and goalkeeper David Raya during an attacking game at Arsenal. The fact that Joe Kreis was demoted from starter to substitute during the title-winning campaign didn’t help his case and served as a stark reminder of the question marks that had arisen since his arrival from Sporting Lisbon a year ago. The striker is quality for Portugal’s top flight, but the Premier League has different requirements and he seemed to meet them towards the end of last season. Arteta has had no reason to doubt his first-choice trio so far this early in the season and Tuesday’s trip to Ipswich would be a crucial stop for him if Joe Kreis is given the green light.
Joe Kress is questionable, largely because it would be a real surprise if he didn’t make a shot for the second straight game. Ipswich was a favorable match, though. The newly promoted side are delighted with six points from their opening 12 games in the Premier League, but their defense is also porous. Only Crystal Palace have conceded more goals than Ipswich so far, with Ipswich conceding 10 goals and performing below their expectations of 6.74 goals. The Tractor Boys are also likely to be rotated, especially if head coach Gary O’Neill chooses to prioritize the Premier League, especially Saturday’s game against Everton, as staying up is likely to be the team’s priority all season long.
This marks the perfect platform for Joe Kreis and all the other Arsenal players who want to change the fact that Arteta has them on the bench once a week. The stakes are high for these players, not least because winning or losing the League Cup is not a make-or-break moment for the team, who are now targeting a first-ever Champions League title after reaching the final last season. Regardless of League Cup success, the team’s status as favorites to win the Premier League title again has not changed.
However, impressive performances from the rotation have revolutionized Arsenal’s capabilities this season. The League Cup is finally the first chance to prove they can become a dynasty team, following in the footsteps of a team that has lived in their shadow for two decades. A straight win over Ipswich won’t be a decisive achievement – only trophies can do that – but it’s a crucial first step for many, especially after another summer of signings to keep the good times going.
Ipswich Town vs Arsenal projected lineup
Ipswich Town: Sher Serpen, Dara O’Shea, Issa Diop, Jacob Greaves, Rafe Davis, Sasa Lukic, Exequiel Palacios, Abdel Fattau, Julio Enciso, Jack Clark, Emerson
arsenal: Kepa Arrizabalaga, Julien Timber, Ezri Konsa, Gabriel, Piero Hincapi, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Max Dauman, Eberechi Eze, Victor Chokres, Noni Maxx
Ipswich Town vs Arsenal Prediction
Even if Ipswich go all out, Arsenal have the squad to compete with the newly promoted sides and the style of play that could knock them out entirely. Regardless of the personnel on the pitch, the visitors are expected to make it to their sixth straight win of the season with relative ease. Pick: Ipswich 0-2 Arsenal