Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal continued to apply pressure on their Premier League title contenders with a commanding 5-1 victory against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. The match showcased standout performances, especially from Gabriel Jesus, who marked his return to form with two goals.
Jesus, who recently scored a hat-trick against Palace in the EFL Cup, opened the scoring in the sixth minute, finishing a Bukayo Saka cross after a deflection off Gabriel Magalhaes. His performance was significant, as it marked his first two Premier League goals since January, breaking a 23-match goal drought in the competition. Notably, he became the first Arsenal player to score five consecutive goals for the club since Robin van Persie in February 2011.
Despite Ismaila Sarr leveling the match with a beautiful curled shot from the edge of the box, Jesus quickly restored Arsenal’s lead just three minutes later, converting a chance that emerged from a corner kick. Arsenal maintained their momentum, with Kai Havertz extending the scoreline shortly before halftime.
The Gunners all but sealed their victory soon after the hour, with Gabriel Martinelli converting a chance created by a rebound off a Declan Rice effort. Rice later added his name to the scoresheet with a well-placed strike from distance, capping off a convincing team performance.
This victory not only demonstrates Arsenal’s attacking prowess but also addresses recent criticisms regarding their reliance on set pieces. With this win, Arsenal climbed back to third place in the Premier League standings, just behind Chelsea and Liverpool, setting the stage for an exciting title race.
Arsenal recorded an impressive statistic, becoming the first team to remain unbeaten in London derbies throughout a full calendar year since Chelsea in 2005. Moreover, the team has scored five or more goals in six away matches across all competitions this year, a record achievement for any English top-flight club within a single calendar year. Gabriel Jesus’s remarkable form continues to shine, with five goals in just two games, showcasing his vital role in the team’s resurgence.
This match could indeed signal a turning point for both Gabriel Jesus and Arsenal as they aim for further success this season. With their attacking creativity back in form, supporters can look forward to exciting performances in the upcoming matches.
In summary, Arsenal’s 5-1 victory underscores a revitalized squad ready for the challenges ahead in both the Premier League and other competitions.