OneFootball
Peter Fitzpatrick·27 December 2024
OneFootball
Peter Fitzpatrick·27 December 2024
Arsenal and Ipswich meet tonight in the English top flight for the first time since April 21st, 2002.
At the time, the Gunners were on the march towards the title, while the Tractor Boys were destined for the drop.
Arsene Wenger's side ran out 2-0 winners, with Freddie Ljungberg the star of the show with both goals.
The Swede had been at Arsenal since 1998, and had come into his own, but truly exploded in the run-in of this season, scoring in five consecutive games, as well as in the FA Cup final win against Chelsea.
Ipswich were unfortunate to meet him right in the middle of this run of form, as he struck twice in the second half to take all three points for his side.
The goals were typical of Ljungberg, a brilliant finisher who relished the big moments.
Arsenal have only won the title once since that season, famously going unbeaten in 2003/2004, and are currently trailing leaders Liverpool by nine points.
How they could do with a similar result tonight as in 2002, and for someone to step up like Ljungberg, particularly with Bukayo Saka now out for the foreseeable.
📸 Phil Cole - 2002 Getty Images