Having recently beaten Crystal Palace in an EFL Cup clash, Arsenal took on the Eagles once again in a Premier League encounter on Saturday evening.
Arsenal travelled to South London for this showdown with Crystal Palace.
Arsenal fans got their wish to see Gabriel Jesus start this fixture, after his midweek hat-trick against Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup quarter-final.
Hale End academy gem Myles Lewis-Skelly came back into the starting XI for this fixture too, with Kieran Tierney dropping to the bench. This was just one of several changes.
Meanwhile, having started in the meeting between these two sides on Wednesday, Raheem Sterling suffered an injury ahead of this fixture which saw him ruled out.
Jesus continued his fine recent form, putting Mikel Arteta’s side ahead with little over five minutes on the clock. After Ismaila Sarr levelled for the hosts, the Brazilian striker put the Gunners ahead again.
The 27-year-old almost completed a first half hat-trick as his headed effort struck the post, but Kai Havertz was on hand to tap in the rebound.
The hosts enjoyed a spell of pressure in the second half, before Gabriel Martinelli turned in from close range to put the result beyond doubt. Declan Rice added a fifth late on to add gloss to the scoreline.
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Arsenal player ratings vs Crystal Palace
David Raya – 7
David Raya more than once spared the blushes of the Arsenal defenders ahead of him. The Spanish shot stopper made some eye-catching saves to to protect the Gunners’ lead.
Raya was called out by commentator Jamie Carragher for one poor pass, but that lapse aside it was a strong showing from the goalkeeper.
Jurrien Timber – 6
A solid showing from the Dutchman at right-back who got forward well at times.
William Saliba – 3
William Saliba was far from his best against Crystal Palace, and was much too passive in the build up to Sarr’s goal.
The French centre-back was unusually tentative and made mistakes on the ball too.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 3
Like Saliba alongside him, Gabriel Magalhaes was uncharacteristically poor. He did still pose a threat from set-pieces, and played a wonderful pass in the build up to Martinelli’s goal, but it was a bad day at the back for the Brazilian.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6
Lewis-Skelly made it back-to-back Premier League starts and dealt with the physical threat posed by Crystal Palace well, and also produce some neat touches on the ball.
Thomas Partey – 5
Whilst he was often isolated and outnumbered in the middle of the park, Thomas Partey was also bypassed all too easily on too many occasions.
The midfielder was tidy enough on the ball, but is something of a weak point for Arsenal when they are out of possession.
Martin Odegaard – 7
It was an understated but quietly effective performance from Martin Odegaard at Selhurst Park. The Norwegian playmaker probed with his passing and pulled the opposition defenders around.
As ever, the club captain was diligent and committed in his defensive duties.
Kai Havertz – 7
Havertz reacted sharply to register his sixth Premier League strike of the season, and looked comfortable in a midfield role with Jesus leading the line ahead of him.
Bukayo Saka – 6
The winger played a key role in the opening goal, but his ability to impact the game after that was cut short after he was forced off in the first half.
Bukayo Saka picked up an injury against Crystal Palace, which meant that Leandro Trossard had to come on to take his place. There has been no official word yet on the cause or seriousness on the issue, but the 23-year-old was gripping his right hamstring before being taken off.
Saka is arguably the most important player in Arteta’s squad and the Arsenal boss will be desperately hoping that the England international’s issue is not as serious as it first appeared.
Gabriel Martinelli – 7
Martinelli deputised brilliantly for Saka on the right flank, putting number of dangerous crosses into the box. The Brazilian winger was rewarded for his endeavour with a well-deserved goal.
Gabriel Jesus – 9
Jesus scored his first goal in 24 Premier League games early on, clearly still brimming with confidence after his recent EFL Cup hat-trick. His second finish was even more impressive, and the striker’s all round performance was excellent.
Arteta will be delighted to see the former Manchester City man back to his best, and the Gunners will need him to maintain this form, particularly if Saka is set for an extended spell on the sidelines.
However, Arsenal fans are concerned the club won’t sign a striker given Jesus’ rejuvenation. Arteta must recognise that bringing in another goalkeeper should remain a top priority.
Substitutes
Leandro Trossard – 7
Declan Rice – 7
Riccardo Calafiori – 6
Ethan Nwaneri – 6
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