Arsenal delivered a sensational performance at Selhurst Park, demolishing Crystal Palace 5-1 in the Premier League. The result was a huge statement from Mikel Arteta’s side, keeping their title race hopes firmly alive.
Early Dominance and a Rapid Response
Arsenal wasted no time in asserting their dominance. Gabriel Jesus, who had a memorable hat-trick against Palace in the Carabao Cup just days earlier, opened the scoring after just six minutes. Bukayo Saka, marking his 250th appearance for the club, swung in a perfect cross that Palace’s defense failed to clear. Jesus was in the right place to finish coolly past goalkeeper Dean Henderson.
However, Crystal Palace were quick to respond. Just five minutes later, Ismaila Sarr capitalized on space in midfield, driving forward and scoring a well-placed shot past Arsenal’s keeper, David Raya. The game was level at 1-1, and it looked like a thrilling contest was unfolding.
Jesus Strikes Again
Arsenal didn’t take long to regain the lead. Moments after Sarr’s equalizer, the Gunners took full advantage of a set-piece. A corner kick was poorly cleared by Palace, and Jesus pounced on the loose ball to thump it home for his second goal of the evening. It was his fifth goal in just 50 minutes of play against Palace, adding to his incredible run against them.
With momentum on their side, Arsenal continued to press forward. Jesus was unlucky not to complete his hat-trick after his header struck the post, but the rebound fell to Kai Havertz, who tapped it in for Arsenal’s third goal in the 38th minute.
Palace Fights Back but Arsenal Keep Control
Despite Palace’s best efforts, Arsenal controlled the game. William Saliba had a scare when he was caught in possession, but Raya made a crucial save to deny Jean-Philippe Mateta. The match was fast-paced, with chances continuing to come at both ends.
Arsenal were forced to make an early change when Saka, after a promising start, was forced off with an injury. Leandro Trossard came on in his place, and the chances kept coming for the Gunners. Jesus nearly found a third but was denied by a fine tackle from Maxence Lacroix.
Second Half onslaught
The second half began with Palace looking to get back into the game. Raya was called into action early, saving a header from Sarr and a double save from Mateta and Sarr as the Eagles pushed for a second goal.
But Arsenal weathered the storm. Gabriel, providing a key pass from the back, set up Trossard to cross for Martinelli, whose low cross was turned home by Havertz for Arsenal’s fourth goal in the 60th minute.
Rice Seals the Victory
As the game wore on, Arsenal continued to show their class. Declan Rice, who had just returned from injury, scored his first goal of the season in style. After a brilliant pass from Gabriel to Trossard, the ball fell to Rice, who curled it beautifully into the far corner, securing the fifth and final goal of the game in the 84th minute.
A Historic Victory
This victory marked another record-breaking moment for Arsenal. It was the sixth time in 2024 that they scored five goals in an away match, a feat never achieved by any top-flight side before. Arsenal’s dominance in London derbies continued, as they remained unbeaten in all ten derbies of 2024.
What’s Next for Arsenal?
With the win, Arsenal stayed in third place, keeping the pressure on their title rivals. The Gunners now turn their attention to their final match of the year, against Ipswich Town at home on December 27. After that, they’ll start 2025 with another London derby, away to Brentford on New Year’s Day.
For Crystal Palace, it was a heavy defeat, but they will look to bounce back and improve in their upcoming fixtures.
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