Arsenal moved three points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool as Gabriel Jesus inspired them to a 5-1 London derby thrashing of Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park
Arsenal delivered a commanding 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, with Gabriel Jesus continuing his resurgence by netting twice. The Gunners’ triumph not only solidified their position as Premier League (PL) title contenders but also extended their unbeaten record in PL London derbies for the calendar year. The win narrowed their gap to league leaders Liverpool to three points, showcasing their attacking prowess and depth despite an injury to Bukayo Saka.
Jesus Leads Arsenal’s Early Charge
Mikel Arteta handed Jesus a starting spot after his hat-trick in the midweek EFL Cup victory over Palace. It took only six minutes for the Brazilian striker to repay his manager’s faith. Bukayo Saka’s cross ricocheted off Gabriel Magalhães, allowing Jesus to pounce and fire a composed side-footed finish into the corner for his first league goal since January.
Gabby picking up where he left off ❤️ pic.twitter.com/AQ2zwbmpV7
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 22, 2024
However, the hosts responded swiftly. Just five minutes later, Ismaila Sarr, in scintillating form, capitalized on a lapse in the Gunners’ defense, bending a precise shot around William Saliba and into the far corner to restore parity. The Eagles looked dangerous on the counter, forcing Arsenal to maintain defensive vigilance.
Arsenal’s Resilience and Jesus’ Second
The frantic pace continued as Arsenal regained the lead in the 15th minute. From a corner, Gabriel Martinelli’s delivery was partially cleared, but Jesus was perfectly positioned to unleash a clinical strike into the bottom corner. His second goal of the night not only re-established Arsenal’s dominance but also showcased the Brazilian’s return to his sharpest form.
Top bins pic.twitter.com/yZ8R6iRGtM
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 22, 2024
David Raya, Arsenal’s goalkeeper, had a mixed evening, with a nervy moment going unpunished before he made a crucial save to deny Jean-Philippe Mateta in a one-on-one situation. Raya’s interventions proved vital as Arsenal sought to tighten their grip on the match.
Kai Havertz then extended The Gunners’ advantage before halftime. After Jesus’ header struck the far post, Havertz reacted quickly to slot the rebound home, making it 3-1. The German midfielder’s goal added to his growing confidence and contributions in Arsenal’s attacking midfield.
Second-Half Dominance
Crystal Palace came out firing after the break, with Sarr once again proving to be their most potent threat. His diving header was expertly saved by Raya, who continued to frustrate the Eagles by stopping Mateta’s long-range effort and Sarr’s follow-up header. Despite Palace’s best efforts, they could not convert their chances into goals.
The Gunners’ fourth goal effectively ended the contest. Declan Rice, introduced as a substitute, orchestrated a slick move that led to Gabriel Martinelli scoring from close range after Henderson had initially denied Jesus. Martinelli’s strike underlined the Gunners’ attacking depth and fluidity.
Declan Rice added a fifth goal late on, guiding the ball into the net to seal the comprehensive victory. The English midfielder’s late contribution demonstrated The Gunners’ relentless pursuit of goals and their ability to capitalize on opponents’ defensive frailties.
What a way to wrap it up pic.twitter.com/9OEup9lm5P
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 22, 2024
Key Performances
- Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal): The Brazilian forward was the star of the show, scoring twice with clinical finishes and posing a constant threat to Palace’s defense. His resurgence has added a new dimension to the Gunners’ attack.
- Bukayo Saka (Arsenal): Despite being forced off with an injury in the first half, Saka’s early involvement was crucial, particularly his assist for Jesus’ opener.
- David Raya (Arsenal): The Spanish goalkeeper made several vital saves to preserve Arsenal’s lead and prevent a Palace comeback.
- Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace): The Senegalese winger was Palace’s standout performer, scoring a brilliant goal and troubling Arsenal’s defense with his pace and movement.
Arsenal’s Title Aspirations
The victory reaffirmed Arsenal’s credentials as serious title challengers. Their attacking depth and ability to respond to setbacks have been key factors in their impressive campaign so far. However, defensive vulnerabilities, highlighted by conceding in a seventh consecutive away league match, remain an area of concern for Arteta.
The Gunners’ unbeaten record in PL London derbies throughout 2024 (W8, D2) is a testament to their consistency and dominance against local rivals. With Liverpool still leading the league, Arsenal must maintain their momentum and address their defensive issues to keep pace in the title race.
Crystal Palace’s Struggles
For Crystal Palace, the defeat exposed their struggles at home, where they have managed just one league win all season. Despite a positive run of form in recent weeks, the Eagles remain in 15th place, teetering above the relegation zone. Manager Oliver Glasner will need to address their inability to convert chances and tighten their defensive structure to climb the table.
Tactical Analysis
Arteta’s tactical setup emphasized fluid attacking play and high pressing, which overwhelmed Palace’s backline. The inclusion of Jesus as the focal point paid dividends, with the striker showcasing his finishing ability and link-up play. Declan Rice’s impact off the bench highlighted Arsenal’s squad depth and ability to adapt during matches.
Palace relied heavily on counterattacks and individual brilliance from players like Sarr. While they created several opportunities, their lack of defensive organization and poor finishing let them down. Palace will need to find a balance between attack and defense to achieve consistent results.
Looking Ahead
Arsenal’s focus will now shift to maintaining their pursuit of Liverpool and securing maximum points in the upcoming fixtures. Saka’s injury will be a concern, and Arteta may need to rotate his squad to ensure players remain fresh for the title challenge.
Crystal Palace face a challenging period ahead, with tougher fixtures on the horizon. Hodgson must rally his players to turn promising performances into tangible results and avoid being dragged deeper into the relegation battle.
Arsenal close the gap on Liverpool and Chelsea
Everton v Chelsea, Sunday 14:00 GMT
Spurs v Liverpool, Sunday 16:30 GMT pic.twitter.com/1C4245TfXj— Premier League (@premierleague) December 21, 2024
The emphatic win not only reinforced the Gunners’ title ambitions but also demonstrated their ability to dominate London derbies. For Palace, it was a sobering reminder of the work needed to compete at the highest level.
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