Arsenal showed their expertise from set-pieces and put their goalscoring problems behind them to thrash a dismal Crystal Palace side 5-0 and move within two points of Premier League leaders Liverpool.
2023/2024 Premier League
5-0
Match Report
The Gunners came into the game with the best record from dead-ball scenarios and scored two goals from corners in the first half as Gabriel headed home the first - before the Brazilian forced an own goal off Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson.
After the break, Arsenal then scored from a Palace corner, which David Raya claimed and fed Gabriel Jesus on the break. The Brazilian found Leandro Trossard, who did Arsenal's much-maligned forward group a favour by finishing a clear-cut chance at the Emirates Stadium.
Palace then gave up in stoppage time as Gabriel Martinelli scored twice to put a sensational gloss on the scoreline.
The win moves Mikel Arteta's side above Aston Villa into third - with the pressure on Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool to extend their lead at the top as they travel to Bournemouth on Sunday, live on Sky Sports at 4.30pm.
However, the result did come at a cost for title-chasing Arsenal, who saw goal-getter Declan Rice and Gabriel go off with injuries in the second half.
Meanwhile, it is one win in 12 matches in all competitions for Roy Hodgson's Palace, who unveiled two angry banners towards full-time which read: 'Wasted potential on and off the pitch, weak decisions taking us backwards' and 'no shared vision no structured plan'.
What's next?
Arsenal's next game is away to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Tuesday January 30; kick-off 7.30pm.
The Gunners then host title rivals Liverpool in a huge game on February 4, live on Super Sunday; kick-off 4.30pm.
Crystal Palace are next in action at home to Sheffield United in the Premier League on Tuesday January 30; kick-off 8pm.
The Eagles then travel to rivals Brighton on Saturday February 3; kick-off 3pm.
Match Events
0' KICK-OFF! Who can win this match?
11' GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace (Gabriel)
14' Lerma's header hits own bar
22' Gabriel's header wide out
33' Raya makes good save
37' OWN GOAL! Arsenal 3-0 Crystal Palace (Dean Henderson)
59' GOAL! Arsenal 3-0 Crystal Palace (Trossard)
64' Eze's free kick stopped by Raya
94' GOAL! Arsenal 4-0 Crystal Palace (Martinelli)
95' GOAL! Arsenal 5-0 Crystal Palace (Martinelli)
Line-ups
Arsenal XI: Trossard, Zinchenko, David Raya, Martin Ødegaard, Jesus, Rice, Gabriel, Havertz, Ben White, William Saliba, Saka
Subs: Cedric, Jorginho, Nelson, Ramsdale, Smith Rowe, Nketiah, Martinelli, Jakub Kiwior, Reuell Walters
Crystal Palace XI: Clyne, Schlupp, Hughes, Andersen, Lerma, Dean Henderson, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Eberechi Eze, Guehi, Chris Richards, Tyrick Mitchell
Subs: Tomkins, Sam Johnstone, Riedewald, Odsonne Edouard, Naouirou Ahamada, Malcolm Ebiowei, Tayo Adaramola, David Ozoh, Matheus França