Back in groove Arsenal thrash Crystal Palace
LONDON: Arsenal breathed new life into their Premier League title challenge as a 5-0 win over Crystal Palace got the Gunners back to winning ways.
Centre-back Gabriel did most of the damage before half-time as he headed in the opener then forced Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson into an own goal.
Leandro Trossard made it 3-0 on the hour mark before substitute Gabriel Martinelli struck twice in stoppage time.
Victory moves Mikel Arteta’s men level with Manchester City and Aston Villa, two points behind leaders Liverpool.
“We wanted to start the second part of the season with a great performance, with a great result, and build that positivity and momentum again. I think the boys did a good job today,” said Arteta.
Arsenal had won just once in seven games prior to a two-week winter break. However, a warm weather training camp in Dubai looked to have refreshed last season’s runners-up, even if they did have very obliging visitors in struggling Palace.
The Eagles have won just once in 12 games to leave them still perilously poised above the relegation zone and pile the pressure on 76-year-old boss Roy Hodgson.
Arsenal’s lack of a natural goalscorer up front has been scrutinised during their downturn in form and the fact it was one of his defenders that ended a barren run in front of goal will remain a concern for Arteta.
No side has scored more goals from set pieces in the Premier League this season than Arsenal and it was two corners that undid Palace before half-time.
“Credit to all the coaches, to (set-piece coach) Nico (Jover) for the amount of time and belief we put in,” added Arteta.
“It’s got a huge impact – we’ve seen that as well in recent games that we’ve lost when we’ve conceded set-pieces. The outcome is very different when you don’t concede and score.”
Gabriel outmuscled Chris Richards to rise highest to meet Declan Rice’s delivery with a downward header to settle the home side’s nerves just 11 minutes in.
Palace did not learn their lesson as Gabriel again got ahead of Richards to meet Bukayo Saka’s corner eight minutes before halftime and the ball rebounded in off the unfortunate Henderson.
Hodgson was booed by his own fans after substituting Eberechi Eze during Wednesday’s 1-0 FA Cup defeat at Everton to keep the England international fresh for the trip to the Emirates. — AFP