Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka
Chris Nee
Liverpool's title celebrations will stay on ice for the time being after Arsenal thrashed Ipswich Town 4-0 on Sunday.
Arsenal ensured that the Reds couldn't win the title by beating Leicester City but Gunners fans were left to sweat over the fitness of winger Bukayo Saka with crucial Premier League and Champions League fixtures right around the corner.
Saka received treatment in the first half of Arsenal's win after Ipswich left-back Leif Davis caught the back of his ankle with the late and dangerous challenge that saw him sent off by referee Chris Kavanagh.
The England international winger limped off just before the hour and was seen with an ice pack on the back of his lower leg as Arsenal added two more goals against the ten men of Ipswich to wrap up a routine win away from home.
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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta needs his most potent players available at a crucial time of the season.
The Gunners will almost certainly finish second in the Premier League but face a blockbuster Champions League semi-final tie against Paris Saint-Germain, who escaped the kind of comeback from Aston Villa that never materialised from Real Madrid in Arsenal's quarter-final.
Arteta addressed concerns over Saka's injury in his post-match duties at Portman Road.
"Bukayo Saka is in a bit of pain but thankfully it doesn’t look anything too serious," said the Arsenal boss.
"He’s fine, it looks all good," added Arteta.
"I don't think it’s intentional at all, but it’s dangerous because he cannot really react to anything, because you cannot see him coming."
Without the benefit of replays, Ipswich supporters at Portman Road directed their ire towards Saka.
He was booed throughout his remaining half-hour on the pitch despite Davis' foul warranting his dismissal.
Saka has been in excellent form since returning from injury, showing his ability and his value to the Gunners.
The winger has scored six times in the Premier League this season but was unable to add to his tally despite a succession of chances against Ipswich.
Arsenal's win left them ten points behind league leaders Liverpool with five to play before Arne Slot's men kicked off against Leicester City in the late Sunday game.