Importance Score: 35 / 100 🔵
Liverpool’s march to the Premier League title is temporarily delayed, though their eventual coronation is inevitable. In a match mirroring their season’s resilience, Arsenal aimed for a slim victory against a determined Crystal Palace. Eberechi Eze’s stunning volley countered Jakub Kiwior’s initial goal, with Leandro Trossard regaining the lead for the Gunners.
Palace Secures a Draw Against Arsenal
However, an unexpected error by William Saliba allowed substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta to equalize with seven minutes remaining, earning a well-deserved point for Palace. This result boosts their confidence as they prepare for their FA Cup semi-final clash against Aston Villa on Saturday.
Liverpool’s Title Celebrations on Hold
Liverpool’s squad convened to watch the North London game, aware that an Arsenal defeat would clinch their record-equaling 20th league title with five matches to spare. Currently, they possess a 12-point advantage and a significantly superior goal difference, needing only a draw against Tottenham on Sunday to secure the championship formally.
Arsenal, seemingly destined for a third consecutive runner-up finish after relinquishing leads in nine matches this season (13 draws overall), can find solace in their upcoming Champions League semi-final encounter against Paris Saint-Germain next week.
“We didn’t seize control of the game as we typically do,” stated Mikel Arteta, who also mentioned that Ben White and Mikel Merino are questionable for the PSG game due to undisclosed injuries. “We must assess their condition, but they were unavailable for selection tonight.”
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Arsenal’s Momentum and Contract Talks
Arteta previously emphasized that, besides postponing Liverpool’s title celebrations, Arsenal aimed to sustain momentum from their victories against Real Madrid. Reports surfaced before the match indicating Arsenal’s initiation of contract extension talks with Thomas Partey, whose contract expires this summer, despite earlier expectations of his departure—likely a reward for his consistently dominant performances in central midfield, despite his suspension from the first leg against PSG.
Echoes of the Past: Palace as Party Poopers
Historically, Palace played spoiler in 2014, staging a remarkable 3-0 comeback against Liverpool that virtually guaranteed Manchester City the title. With Palace focused on their Wembley appearance, a repeat seemed improbable, especially after Kiwior headed in Martin Ødegaard’s free-kick in the third minute.
Oliver Glasner, who criticized the scheduling that gave Villa 24 extra hours of preparation for their Saturday match, praised his revamped team’s resilience. “The players’ response was incredible,” the Palace manager expressed. “I’m extremely proud of them.”
Arsenal’s unbeaten streak in all competitions extended to the end of February, although four draws in their last seven Premier League games had hindered their pursuit of Liverpool.
Declan Rice narrowly missed doubling Arsenal’s lead with a shot just wide, but Palace was exhibiting strong play when they produced a stunning equalizer. Eze, seemingly unnoticed by Arsenal’s defense on the edge of the box after a corner, volleyed Wharton’s pass in off the post.
Eze’s Brilliance and Trossard’s Form
Palace nearly took the lead when Kiwior blocked Eddie Nketiah’s shot following another brilliant play by Eze. The Arsenal faithful began expressing their discontent. However, Trossard, fresh off a two-goal performance over the weekend, continued his scoring streak, squeezing a shot past Dean Henderson with a deflection off Jefferson Lerma just before halftime, restoring Arsenal’s advantage.
Henderson received treatment early in the second half after a collision with Nketiah during a headed clearance, but he was able to continue. Bukayo Saka’s introduction as a substitute on the hour mark elicited a response nearly as enthusiastic as the home side’s goals, as Arsenal sought to secure the match.
Late Drama at the Emirates
Justin Devenny squandered a golden opportunity to equalize for Palace, misconnecting with an Ismaïla Sarr cross, before David Raya denied Marc Guéhi from the ensuing corner. Sarr’s header lacked power after Daniel Muñoz redirected another corner across the goal, as Palace intensified their offensive pressure.
Gabriel Martinelli thought he had sealed the victory, tapping in Jurriën Timber’s cross, but VAR ruled the ball had gone out of play. Henderson’s brilliant save denied Saka’s close-range volley and proved crucial, as Mateta capitalized on Saliba’s error and chipped the stranded Raya, sending the traveling Palace fans into jubilation.