Crystal Palace vs Arsenal – LIVE!
Arsenal have returned to winning ways in the Premier League after beating Crystal Palace for the second time in a week. Gabriel Jesus - after scoring a hat-trick when the two sides met in the Carabao Cup quarter-final on Wednesday night was rewarded with a start and that decision was vindicated twice inside the opening 15 minutes as he scored a brace - either side of Ismaila Sarr’s equaliser - to end his Premier League goalscoring drought that had stretched all the way back to January.
The Brazilian was inches away from completing a first-half hat-trick when his brilliant header came back off the post, though Kai Havertz was on hand to convert the rebound to give the visitors a two-goal cushion at the break. The Gunners had David Raya to thank for twice keeping out efforts from Sarr and also denying Jean-Philippe Mateta early in the second half.
Gabriel Martinelli added a fourth on the hour mark before Declan Rice netted his first Premier League goal of the season to complete the rout and now Arsenal will sit back and hope for a favour from Everton and Tottenham on Sunday. The one negative was the injury to Bukayo Saka in the first-half. Holding his hand up instantly as soon as he crossed the ball, he headed straight down the tunnel for treatment with a suspected hamstring issue.
Crystal Palace vs Arsenal FC latest news
- GOAL! Rice makes it 5
- GOAL! Martinelli gets on the scoresheet
- GOAL! Havertz adds a third for the Gunners
- GOAL! Jesus restores Arsenal's lead
- GOAL! Sarr with the instant reply
Arsenal ratings
19:56 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneWilliam Saliba 5
A rare off-night for the Frenchman, who was sloppy. Backed off Sarr for his goal and Mateta caused him problems, too.
Gabriel 7
Grabbed an assist for Jesus’ first goal and then hit the crossbar with a header. Played a stunning pass to help create the fourth goal.
Myles Lewis-Skelly 7
Given a second Premier League start in a row with Riccardo Calafiori only fit enough for the bench. Another promising performance and the 18-year-old looks a genuine option at left-back now.
FT: Crystal Palace 1-5 Arsenal
19:56 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneComfortable in the end for the Gunners as they beat the Eagles for the second time this week.
Crystal Palace 1-5 Arsenal
19:22 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne90 min: Five additional minutes have been signalled here at Selhurst Park.
GOAL! Crystal Palace 1-5 Arsenal | Declan Rice '84
19:17 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne84 min: IT’S FIVE!
Declan Rice gets in on the act as he scores his first Premier League goal of the season.
That’s the cue for more changes as Gabriel Jesus and Jurrien Timber are replaced by Ethan Nwaneri and Mikel Merino.
Simon Collings at Selhurst Park
19:12 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal's midfield has tightened up a lot since Rice came on.
Havertz looked good going forward, but perhaps one of the sacrifices of playing him there is you lose the solidity Rice or Merino bring as the left No8 in this system.
Crystal Palace 1-4 Arsenal
19:12 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne80 min: Double change for Palace as Kporha and Schlupp replace Clyne and Mateta.
Crystal Palace 1-4 Arsenal
19:11 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne79 min: Nathaniel Clyne picks up a yellow card after catching Riccardo Calafiori on the ankle.
The challenge certainly left the Arsenal defender in pain and is receiving treatment.
Crystal Palace 1-4 Arsenal
19:09 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne77 min: Gabriel Martinelli’s goal has really taken the sting out of the game.
Prior to the strike, Palace were looking dangerous.
Crystal Palace 1-4 Arsenal
19:05 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne74 min: Problem for Crystal Palace here as Marc Guehi is struggling. Looks like the issue is his right shoulder.
Oliver Glasner will not want to lose his captain.
Crystal Palace 1-4 Arsenal
19:04 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne71 min: Gabriel Martinelli puts Leandro Trossard through but Mitchell does well to get back at the Arsenal forward.
The Gunners then recycle the ball and end up winning a corner as Gabriel Jesus’ header is deflected behind.
Crystal Palace 1-4 Arsenal
18:59 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne68 min: Two more Crystal Palace changes as Lerma and Hughes are replaced by Doucoure and Devenny.
Crystal Palace 1-4 Arsenal
18:58 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne66 min: Eddie Nketiah has come on for Crystal Palace and he wins a corner off William Saliba.
Will Hughes swings the ball in but Declan Rice is on hand to clear for Arsenal.
Crystal Palace 1-4 Arsenal
18:55 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne63 min: Marc Guehi is booked for his challenge on Gabriel Martinelli.
Simon Collings at Selhurst Park
18:53 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneGabriel has had some shaky moments defensively tonight, but what a ball that was to find Trossard. Superb.
GOAL! Crystal Palace 1-4 Arsenal | Gabriel Martinelli '60
18:52 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne60 min: Gabriel Martinelli adds a fourth for Arsenal as he converts Declan Rice’s pass.
Gabriel Jesus ought to have completed his hat-trick earlier in the move but he was denied by Dean Henderson.
Crystal Palace 1-3 Arsenal
18:48 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne57 min: Double Arsenal change as Declan Rice and Riccardo Calafiori replace Kai Havertz and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Crystal Palace 1-3 Arsenal
18:44 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne52 min: Double save from Raya, first keeping out Mateta’s long range drive before getting up to keep out another header from Sarr.
Simon Collings at Selhurst Park
18:43 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneSays a bit about Lewis-Skelly's personality that at 18 he is marking Mateta on corners.
Crystal Palace 1-3 Arsenal
18:42 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne50 min: Strong start to the half from the hosts, Sarr gets away free down the right-hand side and forces a corner off William Saliba.
Momentary pause as Myles Lewis-Skelly is pushed over by Mateta.
Arsenal deal with the set-piece rather comfortably.
Crystal Palace 1-3 Arsenal
18:37 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne46 min: David Raya gets down low to make a fine save to keep out Ismaila Sarr’s diving header.
The next goal in this game is so crucial!
Crystal Palace 1-3 Arsenal
18:36 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBack underway at Selhurst Park, no changes for either side.
Gabriel Jesus on a hat-trick
18:31 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneGabriel Jesus has struck twice already this evening, can he go on and get another hat-trick against Crystal Palace?
He was the width on the post from doing so in the first-half!
Gabriel Jesus LOVES scoring against Crystal Palace 🤯
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 21, 2024
Five goals in a week against The Eagles 💥 pic.twitter.com/Y7mDDmj7nG
HT: Crystal Palace 1-3 Arsenal
18:22 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe Gunners lead at half-time.
A crazy start with three goals inside the opening 15 minutes before Kai Havertz struck to give Arsenal a cushion.
Crystal Palace 1-3 Arsenal
18:20 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne45+4 min: Clyne swings in a cross and Lerma arrives unmark but his header is comfortable for Raya.
Crystal Palace 1-3 Arsenal
18:19 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne45+3 min: Nice stuff from Arsenal as Martin Odegaard slips in Gabriel Martinelli but the Brazilian shoots straight at Dean Henderson before the Norwegian sees his effort charged down.
Crystal Palace 1-3 Arsenal
18:16 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne45 min: A minimum of five additional minutes have been signalled.
Enough time for a goal...or two!
Crystal Palace 1-3 Arsenal
18:13 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneRestored to midfield this evening, Kai Havertz has certainly repaid Mikel Arteta’s faith.
Simon Collings at Selhurst Park
18:10 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThis is such a bizarre game, so much sloppiness on show - but with some quality thrown in. Could be plenty more goals.
GOAL! Crystal Palace 1-3 Arsenal | Kai Havertz '38
18:09 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne38 min: ARSENAL INCREASE THEIR LEAD
Gabriel Jesus is denied a hat-trick as his header hits the post but Kai Havertz in on hand to convert the rebound.
Crystal Palace 1-2 Arsenal
18:08 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne37 min: Great defending from Lacroix as he gets back to stop Gabriel Jesus taking a shot at goal.
From the resulting corner, Martin Odegaard’s cross is met by Gabriel Magalhaes who is denied by the crossbar.
Crystal Palace 1-2 Arsenal
18:06 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne36 min: After three goals inside the opening 15 minutes, we’ve now gone 20 without one as Jurrien Timber is booked for timewasting.
Crystal Palace 1-2 Arsenal
18:04 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne33 min: Crystal Palace corner is swung in by Will Hughes and is headed over the bar by Lacroix.
The defender has the taste for goals having struck in the last home game against Manchester City.
Crystal Palace 1-2 Arsenal
18:02 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne30 min: Gabriel goes into the book for bringing down Sarr.
Arsenal’s central defensive pairing haven’t looked this uncomfortable in a very long time.
Crystal Palace 1-2 Arsenal
18:00 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne28 min: Crystal Palace are carrying a threat when they push forward, Sarr has seen an effort blocked by Gabriel Magalhaes and there has been some hesitance in the Arsenal defence at times.
Simon Collings at Selhurst Park
17:56 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne25 min: Saka gone straight down the tunnel for treatment. He held his hand up instantly as soon as he crossed that ball.
Looks like a hamstring injury.
Crystal Palace 1-2 Arsenal
17:55 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne24 min: Worry for Arsenal as Bukayo Saka limps off and is replaced by Leandro Trossard.
Huge blow that for the Gunners especially with the hectic fixture schedule.
Crystal Palace 1-2 Arsenal
17:53 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne21 min: Arsenal survive a scary moment as Mateta pounces on William Saliba’s mistake but sees his effort saved by David Raya.
The Gunners then race up the pitch but Martin Odegaard can’t take the ball in his stride and Palace clear their lines.
A round of applause is started for Crystal Palace supporter Alfie Watkins who has sadly passed away.
Simon Collings at Selhurst Park
17:47 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThis is all getting a bit silly with Jesus now. Surely he can't have two hat-tricks in a row...
Simon Collings at Selhurst Park
17:47 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneWhat a finish that is from Sarr. Felt like Saliba almost backed off him as he didn't fancy the winger to beat Raya from there.
Crystal Palace 1-2 Arsenal | Gabriel Jesus '14
17:45 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne14 min: ARSENAL ARE BACK IN FRONT
Wow. What a start to this game! Gabriel Jesus restores Arsenal’s lead with a brilliant finish.
He’s chasing another hat-trick!
Crystal Palace 1-1 Arsenal | Ismaila Sarr '11
17:42 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne11 min: CRYSTAL PALACE ARE LEVEL
Arsenal’s lead doesn’t last long as Sarr cuts inside Saliba and curls the ball into the bottom corner.
Crystal Palace 0-1 Arsenal
17:41 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne10 min: David Raya plays a blind pass forward and Will Hughes is first to react but his effort drifts wide of the far post.
Crystal Palace 0-1 Arsenal | Gabriel Jesus '6
17:40 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne6 min: ARSENAL IN FRONT
What a week for Gabriel Jesus as he breaks the deadlock.
Crystal Palace 0-0 Arsenal
17:35 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne5 min: Arsenal dominating possession early on but nothing in the way of chances just yet.
Myles Lewis-Skelly is seeing plenty of the ball and wins another free-kick after being tripped by Lerma.
Crystal Palace 0-0 Arsenal
17:33 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne2 min: Crystal Palace press Arsenal high and Will Hughes concedes a free-kick for a trip on Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Speaking of the Gunners’ left-back, he is inverting into midfield tonight unlike Kieran Tierney who was a more traditional full-back in the cup tie.
KICK-OFF!
17:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneWe are underway in this Premier League clash.
Here we go!
17:25 , Tashan Deniran-AlleynePlayers have emerged from the tunnel area and out onto the pitch.
Time for the player handshakes and then kick-off.
Pre-match thoughts from Mikel Arteta...
17:22 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe Arsenal boss has been explaining his team selection, as Declan Rice is only named on the bench.
Mikel Arteta gives an insight into his team selection ahead of facing Crystal Palace 🗣️👇 pic.twitter.com/qUUtOHDepT
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 21, 2024
Glasner's pre-match thoughts
17:19 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneCrystal Palace have gone away and licked their wounds from the Carabao Cup defeat against Arsenal with Oliver Glasner clear on what his side must to better this evening.
"Most of the chances are coming from their right side"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 21, 2024
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner on how his side has prepared to face Arsenal 👊 pic.twitter.com/u8cskcXPgm
Not long now!
17:17 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneLess than 15 minutes to go until kick-off in the London derby.
Arsenal bidding to reclaim third place and close the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool to just three points.
Arsenal suspension risks
17:12 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneGabriel Jesus has to be careful this evening.
The Brazilian goes into this game on four yellow cards in the Premier League which means if he's booked against Crystal Palace, he will serve a suspension against Ipswich Town next Friday.
Click here to find out Arsenal's other suspension risks!
Sterling absence explained
17:07 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneRaheem Sterling is not in Arsenal’s matchday squad this evening and Mikel Arteta has explained why.
"Raheem unfortunately we lost him yesterday, he felt something in training and had to come off and we need to explore that with more tests,” the Gunners manager revealed.
Premier League results
17:02 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneIt’s full-time in today’s Premier League 3pm kick-offs and there is one significant result that impacts Arsenal.
With Nottingham Forest ending Brentford’s home unbeaten record they move into third place in the table.
The Gunners just need to avoid defeat against Crystal Palace to reclaim third spot and close the gap on leaders Liverpool to three points.
Simon Collings at Selhurst Park
16:57 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBukayo Saka's 250th game for Arsenal today - at the age of 23. Youngest Englishman in club's history to hit that milestone.
Also, quite mad, but Saka will have started 221 of those 250 games.
Arteta's big show of faith...
16:52 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneMikel Arteta has made some big calls this evening, particularly in midfield with Kai Havertz set to join Martin Odegaard and Thomas Partey in the engine room.
Though it should also be noted that the Arsenal manager has decided to stick with Myles Lewis-Skelly at left-back despite having Riccardo Calafiori, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Kieran Tierney and Jakub Kiwior available.
Arsenal arrive
16:47 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe Arsenal squad arrived at Selhurst Park knowing, as things stand, they will kick off the game in fourth place in the Premier League table because Nottingham Forest are leading at Brentford.
Committed to the cause ✊ pic.twitter.com/AttgahLKTV
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 21, 2024
Next five years at Arsenal
16:41 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneMikel Arteta celebrated five years in charge of Arsenal on Friday.
The Spaniard has long spoken about his desire to build a project at Arsenal that contains multiple phases.
His first five years in charge have seen plenty of progress, but Arteta and Arsenal know that the job is far from over.
Here, Standard Sport looks at what the next five years could have in store…
Palace changes
16:34 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneIt’s a similar side named by Oliver Glasner, but Daichi Kamada replaces Eberechi Eze and Nathaniel Clyne and Chris Richards come into the defence.
Eddie Nketiah only on the bench against his former club despite his excellent goal on Wednesday night.
Afternoon, Clyney! 👊#CPFC // #CRYARS pic.twitter.com/GFIEjxQhhE
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) December 21, 2024
Kai Havertz back in midfield
16:27 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneMikel Arteta had no choice but to start Gabriel Jesus this evening, but opting for Kai Havertz in midfield is a big decision.
"The most interesting of all about the team is that midfield."
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) December 21, 2024
🗣@sr_collings gives his pre-match thoughts on the Arsenal team news!
LIVE: https://t.co/flPxYmP2IV #CRYARS pic.twitter.com/wrReY2riMq
Simon Collings at Selhurst Park
16:21 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe right call from Arteta, in my opinion, to keep Gabriel Jesus as the team's No9 today. After that hat-trick on Wednesday night, he simply had to lead the line again.
Subs
16:20 , Tashan Deniran-AlleynePalace subs: Turner, Ward, Nketiah, Schlupp, Chalobah, Doucoure, Devenny, Kporha, Agbinone.
Arsenal subs: Neto, Tierney, Kiwior, Calafiori, Jorginho, Rice, Merino, Nwaneri, Trossard
Crystal Palace XI
16:18 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneCrystal Palace XI: Henderson; Mitchell, Lacroix, Guehi, Richards, Clyne, Lerma, Hughes, Kamada, Sarr, Mateta
Arsenal XI
16:15 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Havertz; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli
Team news imminent
16:10 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneWe are expecting the team news to be announced shortly.
The big dilemma facing Mikel Arteta is in attack as Gabriel Jesus staked his claim for a start with a hat-trick against Palace earlier in the week.
Stay tuned...
Arsenal to wear black armbands
16:05 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal have learned of the unfortunate passing of former captain George Eastham.
Eastham played for Arsenal between 1960-66, captaining the side between 1963-1966 and also lead the team out in their first ever match in European competition.
He played 214 times for Arsenal and 19 times for England.
Arsenal have requested and been approved by PL to wear black armbands for today's game to pay respect to Eastham.
Setting the stage
16:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBy the time the game gets underway it will be Saturday night under the lights at Selhurst Park.
Heading south of the river 🌊
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 21, 2024
📍 Selhurst Park pic.twitter.com/acdBTWBtaI
Premier League latest
15:55 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneOne game in the Premier League has already taken place today with Aston Villa piling on the misery for Manchester City in a 2-1 win at Villa Park.
It is half-time in the 3pm kick-offs, Newcastle are 3-0 up away Ipswich Town, Nottingham Forest lead Brentford and it’s goalless between West Ham and Brighton.
Reasons for Crystal Palace to be cheerful
15:50 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneWhile a Carabao Cup semi-final eluded Crystal Palace on Wednesday night, their clinical finishing was further evidence their attack is returning to its end-of-last-season pomp.
Mateta is not enjoying as fruitful a season as last term - no doubt missing the sublime deliveries into the box of Michael Olise - but the winner at Ipswich and early strike at Arsenal will have restored much of his confidence.
The same is true of Nketiah’s late header. He has found game-time harder to come by in recent weeks but rose so dominantly to get above William Saliba and Jakub Kiwior and steer past David Raya. His second goal for the Eagles, three months and a day after the first.
Predicted Arsenal XI
15:45 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneGabriel Jesus will hope to keep his place as Arsenal face Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
Jesus scored a stunning hat-trick against Palace on Wednesday night when Arsenal beat them 3-2 to book a place in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.
Alternatively, the Brazilian could come out of the team for Kai Havertz.
Arsenal predicted XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli
Eze latest
15:40 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThough Eberechi Eze misses out this evening, Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner is expecting the attacking midfielder to return for the Boxing Day clash against Bournemouth.
"We have one game on the 29th but then we have a week until Chelsea,” he said. “So the busiest period is now and it is good to have players available.
“And I expect Ebere to be available for Bournemouth. Of course it is important to have your team together, and we will go for getting a better result than two days ago at the Emirates.”
Crystal Palace vs Arsenal head-to-head results
15:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneCrystal Palace wins: 6
Draws: 16
Arsenal wins: 34
Crystal Palace’s last win in this fixture came in April 2022 when they cruised to a 3-0 victory.
Arteta anniversary
15:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal boss Mikel Arteta says it is “impossible” to imagine himself ever managing another Premier League club.
The Spaniard celebrated his five-year anniversary at Arsenal on Friday after being handed the job in December 2019 following the sacking of Unai Emery.
In that time, Arteta has transformed Arsenal into title contenders and his connection to the club has grown after captaining them as a player.
And asked if he could ever imagine managing another Premier League club, Arteta said: “At the moment, impossible.
“I have very limited energy because I put all of it into this football club, to the players and the staff to give my very best. And that’s my only ambition, to make this club more successful.
“I think you have to live in the present in this job. Obviously you have to plan for what is coming in the mid and long term, that’s for sure, and we have a lot of conversations regarding that.”
Arsenal dressing room
15:25 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal shirts hang in the away dressing room at Selhurst Park.
The Gunners are in their third kit once again, though it hasn’t brought them much luck so far this season having lost to Bournemouth and drawn with Fulham whilst wearing it.
Prediction
15:20 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneCrystal Palace certainly ran Arsenal close on Wednesday night and were perhaps unfortunate not to have won.
Still, with the goals seemingly back for Arteta’s side, it’s difficult to look past the Gunners.
Arsenal to win, 2-1.
Arsenal team news
15:15 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal are set to welcome back Declan Rice and Riccardo Calafiori to the squad for the trip to Selhurst Park.
Oleksandr Zinchenko is also in contention to play, but Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu remain out with knee injuries.
Crystal Palace team news
15:10 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneEberechi Eze has been ruled out for this evening’s game because of a swollen foot.
Crystal Palace will also be without Daniel Munoz due to suspension, while Adam Wharton and Matheus Franca remained sidelined along with Chadi Riad.
How to watch Crystal Palace vs Arsenal
15:05 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneTV channel: The game will be broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Ultra HDR. Coverage starts at 5pm GMT ahead of a 5.30pm kick-off.
Live stream: Subscribers will be able to watch on a live stream via the Sky Go app.
LIVE coverage: Follow all the action right here with us! Simon Collings will provide expert analysis from the ground.
Welcome
15:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneGood afternoon and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Crystal Palace vs Arsenal.
The Gunners are looking to close the gap at the top of the Premier League table to three points, though Palace are unbeaten in five league games.
Kick-off at Selhurst Park is at 5.30pm GMT.
Stay tuned for all the build-up.
