Arsenal put on a stunning display at Selhurst Park, overwhelming Crystal Palace with a decisive 5-1 victory, as they continue to bolster their Premier League title ambitions.
From the outset, Arsenal was dominant as Gabriel Jesus showcased his significant impact by scoring two goals within the first half-hour. The Brazilian forward, who recently found his scoring touch, opened the scoring just six minutes in, with a composed finish following a deflected cross from Bukayo Saka. Despite Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr responding quickly with a curling equalizer just five minutes later, Arsenal quickly regained control.
Jesus struck again just three minutes later, taking advantage of defensive chaos after an Arsenal corner. He elegantly curled the ball past the Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson, restoring the Gunners’ lead. The pressure intensified on Palace as Kai Havertz added the third just before halftime, slotting home after Jesus struck the post. Arsenal's first-half performance was characterized by their swift attacking style and clinical finishing, leaving Crystal Palace scrambling defensively.
Despite Crystal Palace showing signs of recovery after halftime, Arsenal remained resolute. Gabriel Martinelli found himself on the scoresheet following Declan Rice’s low shot, skillfully directing the ball past Henderson to make it 4-1. Rice put the cherry on top with his first goal of the season, expertly curling a shot from outside the box to solidify Arsenal’s commanding lead.
The win marked Arsenal’s first encounter with Crystal Palace since their recent cup victory, where Jesus also starred. Having scored five goals against Palace across their two recent meetings, Jesus’s resurgence marks his return to form after struggling with injuries throughout the previous season. With seven goals this calendar year—five against just one opponent—Jesus’s performance has certainly made headlines.
“It is always weird to play the same opponent twice in three days. To score five goals away from home in this league is never easy,” said Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, as reported by the BBC. He emphasized the collective efforts of the team, highlighting the positive momentum they are carrying as the season progresses.
Yet, the match was not without its concerns for Arsenal. Bukayo Saka, marking his 250th appearance, was forced off with what appeared to be a hamstring injury after just 24 minutes. Arteta looks set to monitor Saka closely following the match, stating, “He felt something in his hamstring...we are pretty worried about.” Saka’s absence could have significant ramifications for Arsenal as they head toward the festive fixture congestion.
Crystal Palace, guided by manager Oliver Glasner, would find little solace following the heavy defeat. “It was crazy... when I compare the performance today to the Emirates, it was far superior,” Glasner remarked. He pointed out the defensive frailties of his team, stating, “If you want to beat a team like Arsenal, everything has to be almost perfect. It was not good enough today.” Despite pulling positives from their past performances, the Eagles were unable to capitalize on their momentum against such tough opponents.
The Gunners climbed back to third place following this emphatic win, now just three points off league leaders Liverpool and with considerable games still to be played this festive season. Arsenal fans and players alike will be optimistic as they approach winter, aiming to sustain this level of performance.
With this victory, Arsenal became the first team to stay unbeaten across all London derbies for the year since Chelsea 2005, reinforcing their claim to be title contenders this season. Rounded out with their excellent attacking display and defensive resilience, they appear to be finding the right rhythm as they position themselves for another title chase.
Going forward, Arsenal must find ways to adapt without Saka, as they continue to navigate through the busy schedule. Their ability to maintain this form will be tested as we head toward the final matches of the year. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace will aim to regroup and refocus as they prepare for their next Premier League clash against Bournemouth, knowing they will need to tighten their defensive structures to avoid repeating such heavy defeats.
