'Credit to him': Declan Rice says one Arsenal star wasn't fully fit vs Ipswich, but he still played 90 minutes

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Arsenal finished 2024 on a winning note thanks to a 1-0 victory against Ipswich Town.

The Gunners have mostly had a good calendar year. They have the most points, scored the most goals and conceded the least among all the other clubs in the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta’s side dominated the game from the first whistle. Ipswich had no answer, especially in the first half, and the hosts completely deserved the win.

After the game, Declan Rice claimed that one of his teammates wasn’t feeling too well. Yet, he played the whole game.

Declan Rice suggests Arsenal star Leandro Trossard wasn’t fully fit vs Ipswich Town

Leandro Trossard had to start for Arsenal against Ipswich Town.

The Gunners are without both Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling because of injuries. Gabriel Martinelli was moved to the right, and Trossard was the only option on the opposite side.

The Belgium international had a decent game. He got on the ball well on the left flank and it was thanks to him that Arsenal took the lead.

Trossard brilliantly got away from his man and laid the ball on a plate for Kai Havertz, who calmly tapped the ball into the back of the net.

Rice was very impressed with the Arsenal number 19 and praised him after the game. He even revealed that Trossard wasn’t actually feeling too good, but he still fought hard and played the full 90 minutes.

Speaking to Arsenal.com, Rice said: “He does it time and time again. He can go on his left, can go on his right, creates, he scores…

“I don't think he was feeling too well tonight as well so to put in a 90-minute shift like he's done, credit to him. He's one of my good friends here so he's a special player.”

Why Mikel Arteta was angry with Trossard during Arsenal vs Ipswich?

Trossard didn’t have a bad game by any means.

The Belgium international had 59 touches of the ball and completed 36 of his 40 attempted passes, maintaining a very healthy 90 per cent passing accuracy. He also created two chances. (Sofascore)

Even though he wasn’t feeling great, everything was going to plan for Trossard. But, in the 51st minute of the game, the versatile attacker miscontrolled the ball on the left wing after a pass from Gabriel Magalhaes.

That happened right in front of Arteta on the touchline and the Arsenal manager was not happy. “Eyes on the ball,” he was heard shouting at Trossard.