Arsenal Crush Crystal Palace 5-1 for a Dominant Second Win in Four Days
Selhurst Park, December 21, 2024 – Arsenal continued their dazzling form with a comprehensive 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace, completing a double over the Eagles in just four days. Gabriel Jesus was once again the star of the show, netting a brace in the first half to add to his midweek hat-trick in the EFL Cup.
After dispatching Palace 2-0 at the Emirates on Sunday, Arsenal delivered an even more emphatic performance at Selhurst Park, showing their attacking prowess and control throughout the match.
Jesus Opens the Scoring
It took just 12 minutes for Arsenal to break the deadlock. Gabriel Jesus, in scintillating form, latched onto a perfectly timed through ball and calmly finished past Sam Johnstone to give the Gunners a 1-0 lead. The Brazilian striker was at it again in the 36th minute, scoring his second of the game with a clinical finish inside the box, doubling the visitors' advantage.
Palace's Response
Palace, however, weren’t about to roll over. The hosts responded just before the break through Ismaïla Sarr. The Senegalese winger showed composure to coolly slot the ball past Aaron Ramsdale, reducing the deficit to 2-1 and giving the Eagles a glimmer of hope heading into halftime.
Arsenal's Dominance Continues
Despite Palace’s spirited response, Arsenal soon reasserted their dominance after the break. Jesus almost had a third when his header crashed against the post in the 50th minute, but it fell to Kai Havertz, who pounced on the rebound and made no mistake in finishing from close range to make it 3-1.
The Gunners continued to control the match, with Palace struggling to contain their fluid attacking play. On the hour mark, Gabriel Martinelli put the game beyond doubt with a well-taken strike, making it 4-1 and effectively sealing the win for Arsenal.
Rice's Stunning Finish
Arsenal weren’t done there. Declan Rice capped a superb performance with a stunning strike from distance in the 83rd minute, leaving Johnstone with no chance and adding a fifth to put the finishing touches on a dominant display.
Arsenal’s Statistical Superiority
The Gunners’ superiority was evident not only on the scoreboard but also in the statistics. Arsenal finished with an expected goals (xG) of 2.92, while Palace’s xG was just 1.77. This highlights Arsenal’s clinical nature in front of goal, as well as their ability to control the game.
Arsenal’s Title Push
The result puts Arsenal back within three points of the Premier League summit, as they continue their strong pursuit of the title.
Looking ahead, Arsenal will host struggling Ipswich Town next week, with the chance to continue their march up the table. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace will travel to Bournemouth for their first fixture after Christmas, hoping to recover from a heavy defeat.
Arsenal’s ruthless 5-1 victory at Selhurst Park highlights their growing confidence and attacking potency. With Jesus in such scintillating form and the team looking sharper with each passing game, they will be a formidable force in the Premier League as the season enters its festive period.
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