Crystal Palace 1-5 Arsenal PLAYER RATINGS: Whose finish oozed class? Which reliable star had a rare off game? Who immediately added stability for the Gunners?
- Gabriel Jesus struck twice as Arsenal secured a 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace
- Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice were also on target for Arsenal
- LISTEN NOW: It all starts! Are Tottenham managers treated differently to other managers?
Gabriel Jesus scored twice as Arsenal recorded a second win over Crystal Palace in a week, with the 5-1 win giving the Gunners three points over Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Jesus had ended his goal drought by scoring a hat-trick against the Eagles in the Carabao Cup in midweek and building on the performance at Selhurst Park.
The Brazilian forward struck twice in the first half – either side of an Ismaila Sarr equalizer – and scored a remarkable run of five goals in 50 minutes against Crystal Palace this week.
Kai Havertz extended Arsenal’s lead with a close-range finish before half-time, before Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice struck in the second half to complete a dominant win.
Mail Sport’s Issan Khan was at Selhurst Park and gives his verdict on the players on display.
Gabriel Jesus scored twice as Arsenal recorded a 5-1 win against Crystal Palace
Ismaila Sarr had canceled out Jesus’ early opener but the Gunners hit back quickly
Gabriel Martinelli (left) and Declan Rice (right) were on target for Arsenal in the second half
ARSENAL (4-3-3):
DAVID RAYA: 7
Some nervous moments in the net, but crucial saves. Jean-Phillipe Mateta was denied one-on-one from close range after 21 minutes. Also a good save on an Ismaila Sarr header.
JURRIEN HOUT: 7
Top play with the ball and some good tackles too. Booked for wasting time on a throw-in.
WILLEM SALIBA: 5.5
An off-game for the usually reliable Frenchman. His errant pass to let Mateta in should have resulted in a goal.
GABRIEL: 6.5
Hit the crossbar with a header. Didn’t shy away from battling Palace’s physicality.
Jurrien Timber was excellent on the ball for Arsenal and created a number of impressive challenges
William Saliba, right, had a rare off-game and an errant pass could have led to a goal
MYLES LEWIS-SKELY: 6.5
A guaranteed view. Comfortable on the ball and physical in duels.
THOMAS PARTY: 6
A few bad passes in the middle. Things got better later in the match.
MARTIJN ODEGAARD: 7
Good intricate passes around the penalty area and often opened the game for his side. Stylish operator.
KAI HAVERTZ: 6.5
Played in midfield, an area he hasn’t played in for a while. Got on the scoresheet with a tap-in.
BUKAYO SAKA: 6.5
Cross with a weaker foot led to Gabriel Jesus’ opening goal. He went into the tunnel after 24 minutes with an injury that looked painful. This will be a major concern for Arteta.
Bukayo Saka was forced off in the first half, which will be a major concern for Arsenal
Kai Havertz scored from close range before half-time to give Mikel Arteta’s side a cushion
Jesus scored five goals in 50 minutes against Crystal Palace this week, spread over two games
GABRIEL MARTINELLI: 6.5
Was braver on the ball than lately. Tried to take on players and got an easy goal after Jesus’ shot was saved.
GABRIEL JESUS: 8.5
Competition winning view. His second goal showed class and curled the ball into the top right corner. Should have scored his hat-trick, but his shot was saved after 60 minutes.
MANAGER
MIKEL ARTETA: 7
Played Jesus up top, Havertz in midfield and started Lewis-Skelly. That was risky, but it more than paid off.
REPLACEMENTS
LEANDRO TROSSARD: 6
Good movement. Could have been a better end product.
RICCARDO CALAFIORI: 6
He remained calm at the back to ensure Palace could not invade his side.
DECLAN RICE: 7.5
Instantly added stability to the center. Also a well taken goal.
ETHAN NWANERI: N/A
MIKEL MERINO: N/A
Mikel Arteta made some risky selections, but the Arsenal manager’s choices paid off
Declan Rice provided stability for Arsenal and the midfielder also scored a well-taken goal
