Arsenal secures a commanding 5-1 win against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, with Gabriel Jesus delivering an outstanding performance that steals the spotlight.
Introduction:
Gabriel Jesus continued his brilliant form against Crystal Palace as Arsenal stormed to a commanding 5-1 win at Selhurst Park. The Brazilian striker scored twice and played a pivotal role in a match that saw Arsenal reclaim third place in the Premier League standings after his midweek hat-trick in the EFL Cup.
Despite some early resistance from Palace, Arsenal ended in a resounding show by the end of play; however, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, and Declan Rice also scored besides Martinelli. The injury on Bukayo Saka worried, though, limping off in the first half.
See also: Gabriel Jesus Hat-Trick Powers Arsenal to 3-2 Carabao Cup Semi-Finals
First Half: Gabriel Jesus Leads the Charge
Arsenal began well, and Gabriel Jesus did not take much time to make his presence felt. Within the sixth minute, Jesus seized an error from Tyrick Mitchell in defense to tuck home from close distance after a very precise cross from Saka.
Crystal Palace responded quickly, with Ismaila Sarr scoring a moment of brilliance. The winger ran forward from midfield and curled a low shot into the bottom-right corner, leveling the score five minutes later.
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However, Arsenal restored their lead in the 14th minute. Jesus showed his quick instincts, completing a sublime first-time finish from Thomas Partey’s layoff at a corner. The Gunners’ relentless pressure paid off again in the 38th minute when Jesus’ towering header struck the post, allowing Kai Havertz to tap in the rebound, giving Arsenal a 3-1 lead heading into halftime.
Second Half: Arsenal’s Dominance Continues
Palace began the second half with a sense of purpose, but Ismaila Sarr almost reduced the deficit twice only to be thwarted by Arsenal’s goalkeeper David Raya, who was at sensational form.
Arsenal were to take advantage of a hero performance from their goalkeeper in the 60th minute. Latching onto the rebound from Declan Rice’s strong effort, Gabriel Martinelli slotted it into the net to make it 4-1. It was the goal by the Brazilian winger that ended hopes for the Palace side from a potential comeback.
Declan Rice capped off Arsenal’s impressive display with a thunderous strike in the 84th minute. Receiving the ball on the edge of the box, Rice arrowed a shot into the bottom corner, sealing a memorable 5-1 victory.
Gabriel Jesus Ends Goal Drought
Gabriel Jesus’ opener was more important, as it broke a 23-game Premier League goal drought for him. His last league goal came in January. The game also marked his significance to Mikel Arteta’s team, especially after he proved crucial in the EFL Cup a few days ago.
Arteta, who had just marked five years at the helm of Arsenal on Friday, made a huge call to start Jesus, and the Brazilian did not disappoint. He was a constant menace to Palace’s defense throughout with his movement, creativity, and finishing.
David Raya’s Heroics
Arsenal’s attack was the main story but between the sticks, David Raya played equally pivotal roles. Starting nervously and nearly losing possession to Will Hughes, Raya came out time and again to pull out several crucial saves on the Crystal Palace forwards.
Mateta and Sarr went at Raya with perilous efforts but the Arsenal man came up to thwart them as the home side struggled for ideas in his sharp reflexes and position.
Saka Injury Scare
Bukayo Saka was a worrying sight for Arsenal fans as the young winger, who had assisted the opening goal, had to be forced off midway through the first half with an apparent hamstring issue. Arteta will be hoping Saka’s injury isn’t serious, especially with a busy festive period ahead.
Palace’s Resistance Fades
Crystal Palace came into the match riding on a five-match undefeated run in the Premier League, but their defense flaws and inability to capitalize on quality opportunities cost them.
Ismaila Sarr was Palace’s man of the match but lacked support from his team. Manager Oliver Glasner will be keen to get talisman Eberechi Eze back as his absence was felt in their inability to sustain pressure on Arsenal’s defense.
Arsenal’s Bright Future
The win proved to be Arsenal’s significant turnaround after it had managed draws in two of the previous Premier League matches against Fulham and Everton. With Jesus, Martinelli, Havertz, and Rice firing from all cylinders at the right end, this season should see the Gunners among the top runners for the title.
But ahead of some tough fixtures, coupled with lingering fitness concerns for key players like Saka, Arteta’s side will need to be more consistent and deeper in their performances.