CRYSTAL PALACE 1-5 ARSENAL: Gabriel Jesus Nets Twice as the Title-Chasing Gunners Dominate at Selhurst Park, Scoring Five Goals for the Third Time in Eight Games
Mikel Arteta might unwrap many gifts this Christmas, but the sensational resurgence of Gabriel Jesus will be hard to beat.
The Brazilian striker is on fire, continuing his electrifying form from midweek when his second-half hat-trick eliminated Crystal Palace from the Carabao Cup. Arsenal delivered another five-star performance, closing the gap at the Premier League summit to just three points as Liverpool face a challenging trip to Tottenham.
Jesus, who scored twice in the first half to make it five goals in two matches against a struggling Crystal Palace, punished the hosts’ defensive lapses. Yet, despite his brilliance, he may feel disappointed at not taking home the match ball.
This timely return to form couldn’t come at a better moment for Arsenal. With five goals in their last three matches, Jesus is breathing new life into the Gunners’ title race. His explosive performances have quieted doubts about Arsenal’s need for reinforcements in January, providing a definitive answer to frustrations stemming from recent draws with Fulham and Everton.
Jesus is proving to be the spark Arsenal needed to reignite their championship ambitions.
Arsenal’s dominant night at Selhurst Park was overshadowed by concern for Bukayo Saka, who left the field with a hamstring injury and exited on crutches, casting a shadow over an otherwise impressive performance.
The Gunners started strong, taking the lead within six minutes as Saka marked his 250th Arsenal appearance with a perfectly placed out-swinging cross. Gabriel Magalhaes’ physical presence caused havoc in the Palace box, allowing Gabriel Jesus to capitalize on the loose ball with a clinical finish.
David Raya, Arsenal’s goalkeeper, passionately celebrated the early breakthrough, but any hopes of a comfortable evening were quickly dashed. A moment of hesitation in possession nearly resulted in disaster when Raya’s weak pass was intercepted by Will Hughes, who narrowly missed steering it into the net.
The hosts soon capitalized on Arsenal’s defensive frailty, leveling the match through Ismaila Sarr. The Palace forward outmaneuvered an unsteady William Saliba and curled a precise shot into Raya’s far corner, igniting the home crowd.
However, Arsenal wasted no time in regaining control. Gabriel Jesus once again showcased his brilliance, converting Thomas Partey’s layoff with a stunning finish after a well-executed corner. The Brazilian continued his role as Palace’s tormentor, ensuring the Gunners remained in command despite the setbacks.
Arsenal’s proficiency from set-pieces was on full display as they netted their 10th Premier League goal from dead-ball situations this season and their 50th across all competitions since Nicolas Jover’s arrival. Declan Rice observed from the bench as the Gunners continued to capitalize on their tactical precision.
The match’s fiery opening exchanges saw no let-up, with Ismaila Sarr dispossessing William Saliba and setting up Jean-Philippe Mateta, only for David Raya to produce a remarkable sprawling save to deny Palace a crucial equalizer.
Arsenal’s momentum took a hit when Bukayo Saka went down clutching his hamstring after delivering a cross. The young winger’s evident pain has left Mikel Arteta anxiously awaiting updates on his fitness ahead of a demanding festive fixture schedule.
Despite the setback, the Gunners regained their rhythm, with Kai Havertz stepping up in the 38th minute. The German midfielder’s composed finish delivered Arsenal’s third goal, providing a crucial cushion and easing concerns for the visiting side.
Arsenal’s relentless attack continued as Gabriel rattled the crossbar with a powerful header from a corner, only for Gabriel Jesus to narrowly miss a second hat-trick by glancing Gabriel Martinelli’s cross off the post. Kai Havertz seized the moment, calmly slotting home the rebound.
David Raya remained a key figure early in the second half, making vital saves to deny Ismaila Sarr and Jean-Philippe Mateta. Moments later, Martinelli earned a deserved goal, showcasing his clinical finishing.
Gabriel Jesus had another golden opportunity to secure his treble, but Dean Henderson’s reflexes denied him. Declan Rice’s deflected shot then found the back of the net, courtesy of the blistering pace and hunger of Martinelli.
Rice capped off a dominant Arsenal performance in the 85th minute with a stunning finish. Receiving the ball from Riccardo Calafiori—who was on the receiving end of a rough late tackle from Nathaniel Clyne—Rice curled in a sensational fifth goal, adding a touch of brilliance to an emphatic victory.
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