Arsenal took to the field at Selhurst Park on December 21, 2023, aiming for redemption after three league matches without victory. The Gunners brought their best as they faced Crystal Palace, showcasing their dominance with a resounding 5-1 win.
The match began energetically, with Arsenal quickly seizing the lead. Just six minutes in, Bukayo Saka struck from the right flank, sending a precise cross to Gabriel Jesus, who scored his first league goal of the season. The early lead was a boost for the Gunners, but Crystal Palace responded aggressively. Within five minutes, they equalized as Ismaïla Sarr demonstrated skillful play, cutting inside past defender William Saliba to net the equalizer from the left.
But Arsenal wasn't here to be trifled with. Just three minutes after Palace leveled the score, Jesus showcased his prowess, scoring again at the 14-minute mark with another incisive finish after Thomas Partey's layoff from a corner kick. This marked the beginning of his significant impact on the game.
The match took a worrying turn for Arsenal when Saka, who had been instrumental up to this point, limped off due to hamstring issues at the 24th minute. Manager Mikel Arteta expressed concern post-match, saying, "Saka felt discomfort in his hamstring, had to go out, and will have to undergo health checks. We are really worried about this." Saka’s injury could prove costly for Arsenal as they enter a busy fixture period.
Despite the loss of Saka, Arsenal continued to control the game, led by the repeated efforts of Jesus. Before halftime, Gabriel Jesus nearly increased the lead with a header, which hit the post, but it was Kai Havertz who was quick to the rebound, scoring Arsenal's third goal at the 38-minute mark. This added to the visitors' confidence as they entered the break with a 3-1 lead.
The second half started with Crystal Palace seeing more of the ball, perhaps inspired by their home crowd, but the Gunners remained the more clinical side. At the 60th minute, Arsenal scored their fourth with Gabriel Martinelli redirecting Declan Rice’s grounded shot after the latter collected the rebound. This sequence highlighted Arsenal's effectiveness, sealing their fate, and indicating their strong setup under Arteta.
To pile on the misery for Palace, Rice added the fifth goal late on, seeing his shot find the back of the net after clever build-up play. The home side struggled for momentum, and by this point, the match seemed beyond reach.
Crystal Palace could not replicate their defensive strength from previous matches, suffering significant consequences from this defeat. This result marked their first league loss after five unbeaten fixtures and left them languishing closer to the relegation zone, with still several matches left this season.
For Daichi Kamada, starting as the only Japanese representative for Palace, this match marked his return to the first eleven after missing recent games due to various factors. Despite his effort, media critiques ensued, with reports stating he 'struggled to have an impact' as noted by London World. The article added, 'He shot wide from distance, which summed up his night,' reflecting the scrutiny he faced during the match.
GIVEMESPORT also lamented his performance, stating, 'His presence was barely felt during the match.' Such assessments from the press indicate pressure on Kamada, who has faced challenges since joining Palace. The Athletic remarked on the lukewarm reception Kamada received from the fans, highlighting the increasing frustration over his form.
After securing the three points, Arsenal are now firmly positioned at third place on the league table with 33 points, trailing leaders Liverpool by only three points. Although they faced setbacks, especially with injuries, Arsenal’s potent squad depth and strategic versatility under Arteta continue to challenge title expectations.
While it remains uncertain how long Saka might be out, the Gunners are eager to maintain their momentum. The need for quick turnarounds and strategies to bolster their ranks will be pivotal as they look to end a long trophy drought, aiming to not only stay competitive this season but return to the top of the Premier League hierarchy.
