Winners
Bukayo Saka
After several weeks of suggestions that Bukayo Saka was tired and playing slightly below some people’s expectations, it’s fair to say he quelled those fears. Realistically the winger has begun to master the management of his fitness in games by resting in periods on the field.
It has allowed him to then produce these types of displays where he unleashes his ability on his opponent. Two goals and an assist have him standing firmly above the rest and on top of the winners from yesterday’s performance.
Ben White
A very close second though must be Ben White. Having played the majority of the 120-plus minutes against Sporting CP, there were concerns his performance today might be affected but it was anything but.
READ MORE: Arsenal vs Crystal Palace highlights: Saka doubles helps Gunners move 8 points clear of Man City
His combination play with Martin Odegaard and Saka was sublime and he of course assisted the winger’s first of the afternoon. But the deliveries stood out most of all, with crossed to the near and back post with some lofted beautifully into dangerous positions.
Kieran Tierney
Having had to cope with a bit-part role for the majority of the season with the form of both Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu at left-back. He came on in the 65th minute and got an assist just nine minutes later finding Saka in the box.
He looked good and was not concerned by his lack of game time. He’s certainly buying into what Mikel Arteta wants from a player in that position. He does not look like someone considering his future despite the links regarding a potential summer exit.
Losers
Manchester City
In a title race, when your main rivals pull clear the first thing you want to do is respond. Although Man City produced another high goalscoring display against Burnley on Saturday, the inability to answer the Gunners’ victory will certainly have an impact mentally.
Not only that but another win for the Gunners clicks down the number of games left to play and with the chasing side knowing they need to respond it again multiplies that effect. Arsenal also closed the goal difference to just two knowing the next gameweek features a home fixture for Mikel Arteta’s side against Leeds whilst City host Liverpool; it could change dramatically in a couple of weeks.
Emile Smith Rowe
Although he got on later in the game, Emile Smith Rowe only got eleven minutes on the pitch. With the scoreline heavily in the Gunners’ favour and Gabriel Martinelli having played 120 minutes in midweek, it’s not the most encouraging sign.
Having now recovered fully from his groin surgery, Smith Rowe is pushing for more time. But with the European engagements over, getting time in this Arsenal side is a challenge that the England international might need to ride the storm of somewhat this season.
Steve Parish
One of the loudest chants to be sung around the ground during the victory over Palace was that of “Vieira!” Palace chairman Steve Parish relieved the Frenchman of his duties but based on the victory here very little has changed so far.
Of course, with a new coach coming in, Roy Hodgson being the current favourite, that might change. But even with the bad run of form, there’s certainly a feeling at the moment that the decision has the duty out on it.
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