Gabriel Jesus continued his prolific run against Crystal Palace, scoring twice as Arsenal thrashed their London rivals 5-1 at Selhurst Park on Saturday, climbing back into third place in the Premier League.
Having netted a hat-trick against Palace in the League Cup quarter-finals just days earlier, the former Manchester City forward was at it again. Jesus opened the scoring in the sixth minute, finishing confidently after Bukayo Saka’s fine assist. His second came just before halftime, with a clinical strike from a corner, and he was unlucky not to complete his hat-trick when his header hit the post.
Palace briefly leveled the match at 1-1 thanks to Ismaila Sarr, who bent in a fine effort past David Raya following a Tyrick Mitchell pass. However, Jesus’s precision and Kai Havertz’s quick reactions saw Arsenal take control. Havertz tapped in after Jesus’s header hit the post in the 38th minute.
Despite a strong start to the second half from Palace, who saw Sarr miss two promising chances, it was Arsenal who stretched their lead. Raya kept Palace at bay with key saves, including one from Sarr’s header and another from Jean-Philippe Mateta’s long-range shot.
The Gunners added a third when Declan Rice, following a saved effort from Jesus, fired a low shot into the net after Gabriel Martinelli’s assist. Rice then sealed the win with a brilliant curling shot in the 84th minute to make it 5-1.
While the win moves Arsenal above Nottingham Forest and into third, manager Mikel Arteta will be concerned after Bukayo Saka limped off midway through the first half.
Arteta, who celebrated five years in charge of Arsenal this weekend, has led his team to within three points of Premier League leaders Liverpool, although Jurgen Klopp’s side has two games in hand.
This dominant display from Arsenal sends a statement of intent as they aim for “big trophies,” with the Premier League title still firmly in their sights.
AFP
