A superb finish from Jean-Philippe Mateta earned Crystal Palace a late 2-2 draw against Arsenal, with the result ensuring Liverpool require just a point to clinch the Premier League title.
The Gunners knew defeat would confirm Liverpool as champions but made the perfect start at the Emirates, with Jakub Kiwior opening the scoring after three minutes.
Kiwior produced a superb header from a Martin Odegaard free-kick to put the hosts ahead.
Eberechi Eze brought Crystal Palace level with a fine volley from a corner in the 27th minute, only for Leandro Trossard to restore Arsenal’s lead on the stroke of half-time.
A rare error from William Saliba proved costly for Arsenal late on, with Eagles’ substitute Mateta claiming possession before firing a long-range effort into the net.
Mail Sport’s Aadam Patel rates the players as two stunning Crystal Palace goals denied Arsenal victory and put Liverpool on the cusp on the title.
Jean-Philippe Mateta scored from range late on as Crystal Palace drew 2-2 against Arsenal
Leandro Trossard looked to have scored the winner for Arsenal until Mateta’s late equaliser
Crystal Palace scored two stunning goals with Eberechi Eze netting with a superb volley
ARSENAL (4-3-3):
David Raya (4)
Had so many nervy moments, giving the ball away carelessly and was hardly convincing all evening. Could do nothing to keep out Eze’s volley but was in no man’s land for Mateta’s chip.
Jurrien Timber (6)
Initially played as if he was saving himself for the game against PSG next week but turned up the gears and got the assist for Trossard’s goal.
William Saliba (5)
Had more touches (175) than anyone else all game and was solid, barely misplacing a pass all night until his shocking mistake let Mateta equalise for Palace.
Jakub Kiwior (6)
Has had troubles in an Arsenal shirt previously but his first goal of the season will do wonders for his confidence. It was a lovely header too and he made a solid block to deny Nketiah at 1-1.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (6)
Made his 12th league start for Arsenal, with only Cesc Fabregas, Bukayo Saka and Jack Wilshere making more at the age of 18. Didn’t do anything of note but did nothing wrong.
David Raya had nervy moments all evening and was in no man’s land for Mateta’s chip
William Saliba, left, had been solid all night until his shocking mistake to allow Palace to level
Jakub Kiwior has had trouble at Arsenal but his goal with have helped his confidence
Martin Odegaard (6)
Felt like he was trying a bit too much in the first half and unusually gave the ball away on a number of occasions but he did get the assist for Kiwior’s opener.
Thomas Partey (6.5)
Solid in the middle of the park and such an important part of this team. Suspended for the Champions League semi-final against PSG and Arsenal will definitely miss him next week.
Declan Rice (6.5)
Couldn’t rekindle the magic from that night against Real Madrid, with a couple of first half strikes going wide but he was everywhere. Booked for a foul on Nketiah just before the break.
Raheem Sterling (5)
Had a few positive glimpses but ultimately he didn’t get on the ball enough, with just 19 touches. This was his 23rd Premier League London derby appearance and he’s yet to score in any. Replaced on the hour mark for Saka.
Leandro Trossard (7)
Even though it was deflected, he took his goal really well with a brilliant touch and clever finish. That’s now three goals in his last two games for the Belgian and he may well have an important part to play against PSG.
Gabriel Martinelli (6)
Was far too quiet in the first half but improved after the break, with a goal disallowed and nearly got an assist when he found Saka with a good cross but Henderson was on hand to make a superb save.
Raheem Sterling had a few positive glimpses but ultimately he didn’t get on the ball enough
Trossard took his goal well and the forward may have a important part to play against PSG
Substitutes:
Bukayo Saka (6.5)
Replaced Sterling for the last half an hour and was denied a goal when he got on the end of Martinelli’s cross but Henderson tipped it over.
Ethan Nwaneri (6)
Came on in the 86th minute for Odegaard.
Kieran Tierney (6)
Replaced Lewis-Skelly in the 86th minute.
Manager:
Mikel Arteta (5)
More than anything, he’ll be glad to come out of this with no injuries and though his side were nowhere near their fluent their best, they ensured that Liverpool will have to wait just a few more days at least.
CRYSTAL PALACE (3-4-2-1): Henderson 6; Lerma 6, Lacroix 7, Guehi 6; Munoz 7, Wharton 7 (Hughes 63, 6.5), Kamada 6.5, Mitchell 6.5; Devenny 6 (Esse 80, 6), Eze 7.5 (Sarr 63, 6.5); Nketiah 6.5 (Mateta (80, 7.5).
Goals: Eze 27, Mateta 83
Booking: Devenny
Manager: Oliver Glasner 7
