Arsenal 4-1 Crystal Palace: Match report, player ratings, fan reaction & more

The Gunners headed into the game knowing a win would be huge for their title chances.

Arsenal had a five-point lead over Manchester City before Sunday, but with the Sky Blues in FA Cup action this weekend, Mikel Arteta and co. could have headed into the international break with an eight-point lead.

And when all was said and done, Arsenal came away with a comfortable win.

Arsenal started the tie off well, with Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka both having decent chances in the opening 20 minutes. Aaron Ramsdale also pulled off a good save 16 minutes in.

Palace continued to test Arsenal in the first half, hitting them with several dangerous counters.

However, Arsenal were able to take the lead after 28 minutes when Saka’s cross found Gabriel Martinelli. The Brazilian still had some work to do but was able to get a shot off and put the hosts in front.

Saka then got a goal himself right before the break. Ben White played the winger in and he was confirmed onside after a VAR check.

Arsenal continued to dominate into the second half with Granit Xhaka adding a third after 55 minutes to kill the game off.

Jeffrey Schlup pulled one back 61 minutes in but it still seemed to be too little, too late.

Saka got the final goal of the game, restoring Arsenal’s three-goal lead after 74 minutes.

Player ratings

Arsenal

• GK: Aaron Ramsdale (6.5)
• RB: Ben White (7.5)
• CB: Rob Holding (7)
• CB: Gabriel (7)
• LB: Oleksandr Zinchenko (7)
• CDM: Thomas Partey (7)
• CDM: Granit Xhaka (7.5)
• CAM: Martin Odegaard (7)
• RW: Bukayo Saka (8.5)
• ST: Leandro Trossard (6.5)
• LW: Gabriel Martinelli (7.5)

Substitutes

• Gabriel Jesus (5)
• Kieran Tierney (5)
• Jorginho (N/A)
• Emile Smith Rowe (N/A)
• Jakub Kiwior (N/A)

Crystal Palace

• GK: Joe Whitworth (4)
• RB: Joel Ward (5)
• CB: James Tomkins (4.5)
• CB: Marc Guehi (5)
• LB: Tyrick Mitchell (4)
• CDM: Luka Milivojevic (5.5)
• CDM: Cheick Doucoure (5.5)
• CAM: Jeffrey Schlupp (5.5)
• RW: Michael Olise (5
• ST: Odsonne Edouard (4.5)
• LW: Wilfried Zaha (5)

Substitutes

• Will Hughes (4)
• Jordan Ayew (4)
• Eberecnhi Eze (N/A)
• Naouirou Ahamada (N/A)

Match report

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