Arsenal Demolish Ipswich Town: Gunners Dominate Tractor Boys in Carabao Cup Thriller

Arsenal are on the hunt for more silverware this season and wasted no time making their presence felt in the Carabao Cup.

They kicked off their round three campaign with a convincing 4–2 win over Premier League rivals Ipswich Town on Tuesday evening, though the final score barely reflects just how thoroughly Arsenal dominated the home side.

A heavily-rotated Gunners squad was inspired by 16-year-old Max Dowman, who lit up Portman Road and netted twice. Noni Madueke also found the scoresheet, impressing throughout the night in a strong case for more playing time this campaign. Mikel Merino added Arsenal's fourth, the Spaniard unleashing a powerful left-footed effort from the edge of the area.

It was a commanding performance until around the 60-minute mark, when Arsenal appeared to switch off and grew sloppy at the back. Ipswich took advantage, pulling back two late consolation goals that manager Mikel Arteta will be far from pleased with.

One Thing We Can't Ignore

Regardless of the lineup Arteta puts out, this Arsenal side remains formidable — tactically disciplined in their defensive structure (until complacency sets in) and ruthlessly efficient in attack. Above all, it is the Gunners' squad depth and their ability to uphold high standards regardless of personnel that bodes well for another trophy-filled campaign.

Arteta made sweeping changes to his starting eleven from Saturday's fixture at Sunderland, introducing nine new players and making 10 positional adjustments, including Myles Lewis-Skelly's shift from midfield back to left back for the first time since the spring.

It must be acknowledged that Ipswich Town may not be the most demanding test of Arsenal's squad depth, yet the newly-promoted side has acquitted themselves well in the Premier League so far, pulling off a 3–2 shock win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park at the weekend. Ipswich also beat League One side Leicester City 3–1 on their way to this stage of the Carabao Cup.

Arteta will leave Portman Road with renewed faith in his squad options and a sense of optimism about the season ahead, even if the team's ability to maintain intensity for a full 90 minutes still needs addressing.

Arsenal Player Ratings vs. Ipswich Town (4-2-3-1)

*Ratings provided by FotMob*

GK: Kepa Arrizabalaga—6.5: Barely tested in what was his first league start of the season.

RB: Martín Zubimendi—8.0: Delivered a solid display, particularly in one-on-one defensive situations, despite making his first start in an unfamiliar role. Provided the assist for Dowman's second goal. Was caught out for Ipswich's opening goal.

CB: Marli Salmon—7.2: The 17-year-old justified Arteta's faith in handing him greater responsibility. Remained composed when put under pressure.

CB: Gabriel—7.0: A composed and authoritative presence alongside Salmon in central defence. Produced a well-timed sweeping tackle inside the box in the 32nd minute.

LB: Myles Lewis-Skelly—6.6: His first outing at left back since April. Tucked inside periodically to help build passing moves. His adaptability will remain a key asset in Arsenal's pursuit of multiple trophies.

CM: Bruno Guimarães—7.4: Struggled at times to turn and drive forward with the ball. When he did manage to progress play, his contributions were underwhelming.

CM: Mikel Merino—8.3: A commanding presence in midfield in just his second start of the season. More effective than Guimarães at breaking through defensive lines. Set up Madueke's goal and added one of his own before the hour mark.

RW: Noni Madueke—8.3: Calm and measured on the right flank. Showed great composure in front of goal, netting his first of the season.

AM: Max Dowman—9.1: The 16-year-old made his first senior start of the campaign. Took just six minutes to get off the mark for 2026–27. Delivered outstanding service into the final third throughout.

LW: Eberechi Eze—7.8: Spent considerable time tracking back defensively. Couldn't create as many opportunities as his attacking teammates, though it was his sharp interchange that set up Dowman's opener.

ST: Viktor Gyökeres—6.8: A frustrating evening up front, regularly beaten to the ball both on the ground and in the air. Didn't register a shot until just before the break, which turned out to be his only attempt.

SUB: Ezri Konsa (46' for Gabriel)—6.3: Was involved in the build-up to both of Ipswich's goals.

SUB: Theo Julienne (64' for Guimarães)—6.5: The 18-year-old found it difficult to leave a lasting impression.

SUB: Martin Ødegaard (76' for Madueke)—6.2: His influence wasn't required, but his presence on the pitch is always welcomed by Arsenal fans.

SUB: Christos Tzolis (76' for Eze)—6.2: Used the opportunity to shake off the rust following a difficult performance against Sunderland.

SUB: Ife Ibrahim (85' for Zubimendi)—N/A

Subs not used: Illan Meslier (GK), Riccardo Calafiori, Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz

What the Ratings Tell Us

The Numbers That Explain Arsenal's Emphatic Win