Gabriel Jesus scored just before half-time to end a frustrating opening 45 minutes and give Arsenal the lead at Crystal Palace.
Jesus wasted three excellent chances to give the champions the advantage before finally hitting the target two minutes before the break.
A flowing move involving Cristhian Mosquera, Gabriel Martinelli and Max Dowman ended with a through ball that Jesus dispatched with aplomb.
The striker was given a rare start with both Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres on the bench but, up to that point, had fluffed his lines as the Gunners failed to convert their superiority into goals.
Arsenal almost opened the scoring in the sixth minute. Piero Hincapie’s clearance was mis-controlled by Jefferson Lerma, enabling Jesus to pick up possession and, with few other options, the Brazilian went for goal, curling his effort against the post.
Noni Madueke got to the rebound first but was unable to beat Dean Henderson.
Jesus had another wonderful opportunity six minutes later. Madueke was the architect with a burst through midfield before picking out the former Manchester City striker but his effort was superbly saved by the onrushing Henderson and Nathaniel Clyne completed the clearance.
Palace had spent the opening quarter of an hour on the back foot but then sprung forward and were only denied by a brilliant save from Kepa Arrizabalaga, who pushed out a strong hand to keep out Daniel Munoz’s header from Rio Cardines’ centre.
Arsenal came again and Jesus missed a third opportunity to break the deadlock midway though the half. Madueke curled in a fantastic cross and Jesus got in front of Munoz but could only nod his close-range effort wide.
He didn’t miss a fourth as Arsenal went into the break with a one-goal lead.
Table of Contents
Crystal Palace Team News
Chris Richards was ruled out with ankle ligament damage while Cheick Doucoure and former Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah are also unavailable.
Crystal Palace: Henderson; Riad, Cardines, Munoz; Clyne, Devenny, Hughes, Kamada; Lerma, Sarr, Strand Larsen
Arsenal Team News
Boss Mikel Arteta made widespread changes with several fringe players, such as Max Dowman and Christian Norgaard, coming in.
Only Cristhian Mosquera and Riccardo Calafiori started Monday night’s win over Burnley. Mikel Merino is on the bench after a lengthy injury lay-off.
Arsenal: Arrizabalaga; Mosquera, Norgaard, Hincapie, Calafiori; Lewis-Skelly, Zubimendi, Dowman; Madueke, Martinelli, Jesus
Where to watch Crystal Palace vs Arsenal: TV channel, live stream
The match is available to watch live in the UK on Sky Sports and via NOW TV.
Kick-off is scheduled for 4:00pm BST on Sunday.
If you’re watching from outside the UK, click HERE for details of the channels showing the game in your region.
The stats for Crystal Palace vs Arsenal
- Arsenal have won their last 14 Premier League matches played on the final day of the season
- Crystal Palace are unbeaten in 12 Premier League final-day home matches
- Arsenal have won eight of their last nine meetings with Palace
- Palace are without a win in their last six league matches
- Arsenal have won their last four Premier League games
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