In a scintillating display of attacking prowess, Arsenal demolished Crystal Palace 5-1 at Selhurst Park on Saturday. The star of the show was undoubtedly Gabriel Jesus, who scored twice to lead the Gunners’ onslaught. The comprehensive victory sees Mikel Arteta’s men close the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool to just three points, albeit having played two more matches.
Jesus Delivers Divine Performance
Gabriel Jesus justified his manager’s faith with a quick-fire opening goal in the 6th minute. The Brazilian striker pounced on a loose ball in the box from Bukayo Saka’s cross to slam home from close range. He doubled his tally and Arsenal’s lead in the 24th minute, tapping in from Thomas Partey’s assist following a corner. Jesus was a constant menace, hitting the post and forcing saves from Palace keeper Dean Henderson.
Havertz and Martinelli Join the Party
Not content with a two-goal cushion, Arsenal continued to pour forward. Kai Havertz, operating in a deeper midfield role, made it 3-1 just before halftime. The German international was in the right place to convert the rebound after Jesus’ header struck the post from Gabriel Martinelli’s cross. Speaking of the young Brazilian, Martinelli added his name to the scoresheet in the second half, stabbing home Declan Rice’s shot after another Jesus effort was saved.
Rice Rounds Off Rout
Declan Rice came off the bench to inflict further misery on Crystal Palace. The England midfielder, still adapting to his new surroundings following his summer move from West Ham, curled home a lovely fifth goal from fellow substitute Riccardo Calafiori’s pass. It was a moment of individual brilliance that capped a dominant team display.
This was almost the perfect way for Mikel Arteta to celebrate five years as Arsenal manager.
Contrasting Fortunes for Palace
For Crystal Palace, it was a chastening afternoon. Despite a well-taken equalizer from Ismaïla Sarr and a couple of chances for Jean-Philippe Mateta, they were thoroughly outclassed. Manager Oliver Glasner made changes from the midweek Carabao Cup defeat to Arsenal, but to no avail. The Eagles remain winless in the league in 2024.
Arsenal’s Title Tilt Gathers Pace
While still early days, Arsenal are undoubtedly putting themselves in the Premier League title conversation. Arteta has forged a potent attack, marshaled by the irrepressible Jesus and supported by a cast of exciting youngsters and experienced heads. With Manchester City fading and Chelsea also stuttering, the Gunners will feel this could be their best chance in years to end their league title drought stretching back to the Invincibles season of 2003-04.
Next up for Arsenal is a trip to Newcastle in two weeks’ time after the international break. Crystal Palace will attempt to regroup ahead of a tough trip to high-flying Brighton. On the basis of this showing, the two clubs are heading in opposite directions. Arsenal, powered by their Gabriels, look heavenward.
