Crystal Palace vs Arsenal Report

Scorers: Sarr 11’; Jesus 6’, 14’, Havertz 38’, Martinelli 60’, Rice 84’

Gabriel Jesus starred with a brace as Arsenal dismantled Crystal Palace 5-1, maintaining their unbeaten record in Premier League (PL) London derbies for the calendar year and closing the gap on league leaders Liverpool to three points.

First Half: Arsenal Assert Dominance Early

Coming into the match on the back of a midweek hat-trick against the same opposition in the EFL Cup, Gabriel Jesus was handed a starting berth by Mikel Arteta and wasted no time in justifying his inclusion.

With only six minutes on the clock, Bukayo Saka’s cross ricocheted off Gabriel Magalhães into Jesus’ path, and the Brazilian coolly side-footed home for his first league goal since January.

However, Arsenal’s lead was short-lived as Ismaïla Sarr, a constant thorn in the Gunners’ side, curled a sublime strike around William Saliba to level proceedings just five minutes later.

A frenetic start to the game continued when Arsenal regained their lead in the 15th minute. Following a poorly-cleared corner, Jesus was once again on hand to volley a precise finish into the corner for his second of the evening.

The visitors had chances to equalise once more, with Jean-Philippe Mateta denied in a one-on-one by David Raya after a defensive lapse from Saliba.

Arsenal then capitalised on Palace’s defensive frailties, extending their lead in the 36th minute when Kai Havertz reacted quickest to Jesus’ header against the post, slotting in from close range to make it 3-1.

Second Half: Gunners Turn on the Style

Crystal Palace came out after the break with renewed determination, and Sarr was inches away from reducing the deficit with a diving header, only for Raya to produce an excellent save.

The Arsenal goalkeeper was called into action again moments later, denying Mateta’s long-range strike and keeping out Sarr’s follow-up header.

With the visitors unable to capitalise on their opportunities, Arsenal put the game beyond reach in the 60th minute. Declan Rice, introduced as a substitute, saw his low drive turned in by Gabriel Martinelli after Dean Henderson had denied Jesus with a sharp save.

Determined to get on the scoresheet, Rice eventually found the net himself in the dying minutes, guiding a precise finish past Henderson to seal a comprehensive 5-1 victory.

Match Stats

• Possession: Arsenal 59% – 41% Crystal Palace
• Shots on Target: Arsenal 10 – 5 Crystal Palace
• Corners: Arsenal 8 – 3 Crystal Palace

What’s Next?

Arsenal will hope to maintain momentum as they continue to chase league leaders Liverpool, while keeping an eye on Saka’s fitness after the winger was forced off in the first half with an apparent injury.

For Crystal Palace, this heavy defeat underscores the need to rediscover their defensive solidity, particularly at home, where they remain winless in their last four league outings.

This result sees Arsenal strengthen their title bid, while Palace slip closer to the relegation zone, needing a turnaround to avoid being drawn into a survival battle.

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Crystal Palace v Arsenal, 2024/25 | Premier League