The Emirates witnessed a match that had everything: goals, emotions, mistakes and a result that could change the history of the season. Arsenal had the win in their hands, but ended up conceding a 2-2 draw against a Crystal Palace that never gave up.
Although Mikel Arteta's team dominated for several periods of the match and showed a good part of their offensive potential, a mistake in the final stretch left them without the three points. With this result, Liverpool are just one step away from becoming Premier League champions.
A Staging With a European Flavor
Mikel Arteta knew that this match against Palace was more than just a league fixture. With the Champions League semi-final against PSG on the horizon, the Spanish coach opted for his star line-up. His idea: to maintain the competitive intensity and avoid distractions ahead of the European clash. And at first, the strategy worked.
Barely two minutes had passed when Martin Ødegaard put in a measured cross from the left flank that found the head of Jakub Kiwior. The Polish defender, who had an outstanding performance in defense, won in the air and scored the first goal of the match. It looked like Arsenal were going to have a quiet night, but Palace had other plans.
The visiting team was not intimidated by the early goal. With players like Eberechi Eze and Nketiah generating constant danger, they began to gain ground. The equalizer came in the 27th minute from a set piece. Kamada put in a pinpoint cross from the corner that Eze converted with a flawless volley, impossible for Raya. That goal changed the pace of the game and pushed Palace to look for more.
Advantage Recovered, But Not Secured
Far from collapsing, Arsenal reacted well. Before the break they took the lead again thanks to a good combination between Timber and Leandro Trossard. The Belgian controlled inside the box, turned confidently and fired a left-footed cross past Henderson. It was 2-1 and it looked as if the home side would be able to handle the rest of the game without a hitch.
However, Crystal Palace maintained their fighting attitude. Coach Oliver Glasner moved the bench also thinking about the FA Cup semifinal against Aston Villa. The introduction of Sarr, Mateta and Hughes gave fresh air and speed to the visitors' attack. Arsenal began to suffer up front and in quick transitions, showing weaknesses that they failed to correct in time.
The final minutes became a headache for the Gunners. The clearest chance to close the match came at 80′, when Trossard broke down the left and assisted Saka, but Henderson, with an extraordinary reaction, prevented the third. That play would be key, because shortly after came the punishment.
The Mistake That Changed Everything
After 83 minutes, when it seemed that the game was under control, a serious mistake in Arsenal's start cost them dearly. Saliba and Ødegaard got into trouble at the back and left the ball for Jean-Philippe Mateta. The French striker didn't think twice and, with great quality, he cut the ball in front of Raya's exit to score the equalizer.
The goal was a hard blow for the home side, who still had time to look for the win, but the blow to their morale was felt. Palace even had one or two more chances to pull off a complete upset, but in the end it remained 2-2 until the final whistle.
It was a vibrant match, with many nuances and a closing that leaves the North Londoners with a bitter taste.
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Title Remains Suspended
This result not only affects Arsenal's Premier League aspirations, but also has direct implications for Liverpool. With the draw, the Reds need just one more point to secure the championship. Everything will depend on what they do in their next match against Tottenham at Anfield.
Arsenal, meanwhile, will have to turn the page quickly. The European challenge against Paris Saint-Germain is just around the corner, and that tournament represents another great opportunity for a club looking to return to the top of continental soccer. Meanwhile, in the league, they can only hope for a slip-up by Liverpool, although that possibility seems increasingly distant.
The Emirates experienced a night of mixed emotions. There were moments of good soccer, but also mistakes that can cost dearly. And although there are still points at stake, the first echoes of a possible celebration can already be felt at Anfield. Everything depends on what happens next Sunday.
