Arsenal 3-0 Crystal Palace – Premier League: Live score, team news and updates as Leandro Trossard thrashes in the third on a brutal counter… after set-piece kings scored from two corners
Follow Mail Sport’s live blog for the latest score, team news and updates as Arsenal host Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium in Premier League action.
Arsenal 3-0 Crystal Palace
And now a double change for Arsenal.
Smith-Rowe – who was given a huge cheer by Arsenal fans as he came on after the speculation about his future this week – has replaced Havertz.
Meanwhile, it’s a straight swap on the left with Martinelli on for Trossard.
Arsenal 3-0 Crystal Palace
A ruthless counter-attack from Arsenal for that goal and Jesus did brilliantly to set up Trossard.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace starlet Ozoh is on for Hughes in the middle of the park as they make their first substitute.
Arsenal 3-0 Crystal Palace
They won’t give up though!
Eze steps up and fires at goal. It’s straight at Raya, but he still does well to tip it over.
That’s his third good save of the game and he will be feeling very pleased with himself after the hand he played in Arsenal’s third goal.
Arsenal 3-0 Crystal Palace
Arsenal look full of conifidnece now and they break forward again.
Trossard’s cross comes out to Odegaard. He squares to Jesus, but Guehi does brilliantly to block the effort.
This really is a horrible position for Palace to be in now, and they just haven’t been able to stop the goals going in, although they will be disappointed with the manner they were conceded in.
GOAL! Arsenal 3-0 Crystal Palace (Trossard)
Raya claims Hughes’ cross after Palace forced a corner.
He quickly releases Jesus with a delightful throw.
The Brazilian runs forward and plays the ball across to Trossard. The Belgian cuts inside and Clyne slips, before he fires past Henderson.
There will be a check, but it looks clearly onside – and is given!
Game over and the end of Trossard’s 10-game goal drought.
Arsenal 2-0 Crystal Palace
It causes all sorts of trouble, this time from Odegaard’s delivery.
Saka’s shot is then blocked and Jesus tries to get there, but goes down theatrically.
There’s a check for a penalty, but the contact from Clyne wasn’t enough to be seen as a clear and obvious error.
No longer a brace for Gabriel
I did say it looked first up like a Henderson own goal for Gabriel’s second, but it was given to the Brazilian.
However, that decision has now been reviewed and it is in fact an own goal and the defender just has one to his name.
Arsenal 2-0 Crystal Palace
But an equaly good response from Crystal Palace.
They work it to dangerman Eze again, and he jinks forward before firing at goal from 30 yards.
It bounces just before Raya and he does well to turn it around the post.
Arsenal then break after Raya collects the corner, but Trossard scuffs his shot from Jesus’ pull-back. A huge chance!
Arsenal 2-0 Crystal Palace
A positive start from Arsenal who force an early corner.
There’s almost an expectance inside the Emirates right now from set pieces given that first half.
Crystal Palace deal with this one better though and Rice stings the palms of Henderson with a shot, but it’s comfortable for the England keeper.
Arsenal 2-0 Crystal Palace
Arsenal get us back underway.
You feel it will take a miracle for Crystal Palace to get back into the game, but you never know.
Gabriel’s second
I’m going to put my neck on the line and say I think it probably is the right decision to award the goal.
That would’ve been a very soft foul and is similar to the first one. But, again if they are ruled out during the game, you’d expect VAR to stick with the decision.
A couple of borderline calls to go the Gunners’ way I guess.
The second has also been awarded to Gabriel despite Henderson getting the last touch. We’ll see if that decision changes if it’s reviewed though.
But, for now, it’s an unprecedented brace for the centre back.
HALF TIME – Arsenal 2-0 Crystal Palace
And that’s that for the first 45 minutes and who would have thought two goals from Gabriel would be the difference at the break.
Arsenal have dominated much of the play, but Crystal Palace have generally defended from open play well.
However, two set pieces have been their undoing as the Gunners continued their remarkable record from them.
First, Gabriel rose above Richards from Rice’s corner to head home, although there were questions, led by Neville, over whether it was a foul.
Then, another corner, this time from the other side delivered by Saka caused chaos, with Gabriel running round the back to head home off the back off Henderson.
Although, again, White did seem to block the Palace keeper, but maybe – as we saw with Luton’s goal at Burnley last week – we are just used to keepers being protected.
It seems like it will be a long way back for the visitors, who have struggled to threaten, although Raya was forced into one good save from Lerma.
Arsenal 2-0 Crystal Palace
Brilliant play from Arsenal as Trossard, Havertz and Jesus link up.
Trossard is played in, but he fires over with his left foot.
Nice from the Belgian though and Arsenal look full of confidence in what has been a professional first half performance.
Arsenal 2-0 Crystal Palace
Lerma is up and back on, with four minutes to be added on.
The midfielder then fires another long range effort at goal, but Raya collects at the second attempt.
Meanwhile, former Brighton and Chelsea boss Graham Potter is here today.
Maybe just taking in some football as he continues to plot a return to management, but his presence does come amid the pressure ramping up on Roy Hodgson.
Arsenal 2-0 Crystal Palace
Two set pieces, two goals.
Crystal Palace really aren’t happy with that and I’ve definitely seen what White did to Henderson given as a foul multiple times.
But Arsenal won’t care one bit.
Meanwhile, there’s a break in play after Lerma is involved in a nasty clash with Jesus and catches the back of his head.
But, thankfully he looks OK to continue.
GOAL! Arsenal 2-0 Crystal Palace (Gabriel)
And again! Although it looks as if this might have gone in off Henderson.
Arsenal win a corner. Saka fires in a wonderful inswinging ball. Henderson can’t come out and collect and Gabriel is there at the back post to head home.
There will be a check… but it’s given!
That did really look like White was holding Henderson in the centre, meaning the Crystal Palace keeper couldn’t get anywhere near the ball.
And it has gone back in off Henderson as Gabriel headed back across goal so I think that will be given as an own goal by the Palace keeper, but it’s yet to be confirmed.
Arsenal look so dangerous from these set pieces today.
Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace
They put put pressure on the Gunners at the back. Saliba knocks it back to Raya, who plays a dreadful ball out.
Lerma collects at the edge of the area and fires at goal early, and Raya makes up for his error by making a sprawling save, before the hosts clear the corner.
The last 10 minutes has been improved from Palace and Arsenal are yet to test Henderson since the goal.
Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace
Great work from Eze again, who draws a foul from Rice to win a free kick in a dangerous position.
He lines up the set piece but fires it straight at the wall.
It comes to Clyne, who belts it back in but it catches Mateta off-guard and he can’t control and Arsenal clear.
Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace
Eze, lining up on the left of Crystal Palace’s midfield, is going to be hugely relied upon by his team-mates if they are to get back into this game.
He does well to win the ball off Trossard, before winning a foul when he didn’t really have anywhere to go.
Arsenal deal with the free kick with ease though and continue to enjoy a comfortable afternoon at the back so far.
Palace’s xG currently stands at 0.00.
Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace
Arsenal’s set piece record really is something…
Was Gabriel’s header fair?
Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace
Neat play from Arsenal, who are really breaking the lines with their play.
Jesus looks full of confidence and is linking up play well, before Richards does well to clear a dangerous ball from Saka and Gabriel heads wide the resulting corner.
Meanwhile, Gary Neville can’t resist a dig at Arsenal fans after Gabriel’s goal, referencing their complaints at the one they conceded at Newcastle when the Brazilian was allegedly fouled by Joelinton.
He did really get the jump above Richards by putting his arms on his shoulders, and it’s one that will generate debate.
Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace
What a header that was from Gabriel!
It’s been a brilliant start from Arsenal and only now are Crystal Palace finally able to get their foot on the ball.
But Arsenal press them well, before the ball goes all the way back to Henderson, who boots it into touch.
Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace
Arsenal look full of confidence here and they’re so close to being 2-0 up.
Another flowing move ends with Eze heading away White’s dangerous cross for a corner.
Saka floats in a dagnerous ball and Schlupp heads it away. But the ball hits Lerma and rebounds towards his own goal before hitting the bar, with Henderson gratefully collecting the loose ball.
Almost disaster for the visitors.
GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace (Gabriel)
Exactly what they needed!
Rice floats in a delightful corner. Gabriel climbs above Richards brilliantly and heads expertly into the bottom corner, giving Henderson no chance.
That’s the Brazilian’s second league goal of the season and the Emirates erupts (while also breathing a sigh of relieft).
The Gunners have now scored the most set piece goals in the Premier League this season.
Crowd trouble before kick off?
It looks like a large group of police were dealing with something in the away end ahead of kick off.
We’re not quite sure what quite happened, but we’ll let you know as soon as we have any information.
Arsenal 0-0 Crystal Palace
Positive play from Arsenal.
Havertz drives towards goal and almost gets on the end of Odegaard’s lofted through ball after an attempted one-two.
The ball bounces out to Jesus, who takes a touch, before firing over with his left foot under pressure.
Arsenal 0-0 Crystal Palace
Arsenal have started brightly here and look sharp, pinging the ball around in the early stages.
Crystal Palace are lining up with a back five with Richards alongside Andersen and Guehi in the centre and Clyne and Mitchell at wing-back.
Palace then float an early free kick into the Gunners’ box, but Andersen heads high and wide.
Arsenal 0-0 Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace’s Will Hughes gets us underway.
Paul Tierney is in charge of proceedings today.
The players are out
It looks like a great atmosphere inside the Emirates.
With Jesus and Zinchenko back to fitness, Arsenal’s bench looks a lot stronger today too.
This promises to be a cracker!
Huge opportunity for Arsenal
Despite the seeming gloom and doom hanging over Arsenal after a difficult festive spell, things are really not that bad.
The Gunners will go within two points of Liverpool today if they win and with players coming back from injury, Mikel Arteta will hope his side have endured their dip.
Arsenal have also only lost once at home to Crystal Palace since 1994 and just twice ever in the Premier League so the history is with them today.
Here’s how the current top six looks.
Interest in Smith-Rowe
While Jordan Henderson’s departure from Saudi Arabia has been the major story of the January transfer window, it’s been relatively quiet across the Premier League.
Arsenal continue to be linked with a move for a striker, but so far nothing has materialised.
In terms of outgoings, Emile Smith-Rowe, who has struggled to nail down a regular place across the past few seasons amid injury struggles, is one player who has slight uncertainty over his future.
However, Mail Sport reported on Friday how the Gunners have rebuffed several approaches for the 23-year-old.
Read KIERAN GILL’S full story below…
Mail Sport at the Emirates
‘We’re the best at everything… apart from scoring’ – Arteta
A fascinating take from Mikel Arteta at his pre-match press conference.
In fact, Arsenal have scored just once from 63 shots across their past three games.
You don’t need me to tell you that’s not a great conversion rate!
Read Arteta’s full words below…
Saka ‘refreshed’ ahead of Palace clash
Bukayo Saka has just been speaking to TNT Sports ahead of today’s clash.
He spoke about the benefits of the winter break and Arsenal’s position in the title race.
Here’s what he had to say:
Well, right now I’m quite relaxed (ahead of the game). But obviously, in an hour or so, you know, we do have a big game coming up. And yeah, we’ll be ready for it.
‘Yeah, I think it was really nice for us (to get away to Dubai). We took time in order to refresh, reconnect with the boys and come back in good spirits and really hungry to get three points.
‘Yeah, we’ve got to be ready for it (the title race). And I believe in my team, I believe we’ll be ready. You know, we know in this league, there’s not much room for error. We’re really focused especially today and in winning and building the momentum again for the next few games.’
What happened last time these teams met?
It was right back at the start of the season and felt like a strong early marker from Arsenal.
Martin Odegaard put the Gunners ahead from the spot, before they held firm after Takehiro Tomiyasu was sent off for two bookable offences.
You can catch the highlights from that game below…
Crystal Palace struggles
Although nothing is expected of Crystal Palace in a game like today, things aren’t great at Selhurst Park right now.
With injuries continuing to mount up, they’ve only won one of their past 11 games in all competitions.
Wednesday saw a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Everton in their FA Cup third round replay and Roy Hodgson has come under pressure from Palace fans.
While they sit 14th, they are only five points clear of the bottom three and Hodgson won’t want to be drawn in much closer to the drop zone.
It feels like a big month ahead of them.
Crystal Palace TEAM NEWS
Just the two changes for Crystal Palace, who remain badly-depleted by injury.
This includes no Michael Olise who is such a big miss for Roy Hodgson’s side.
Dean Henderson replaces Sam Johnstone in goal, while Jean-Philippe Mateta comes in for Odsonne Edouard up-front.
A real blow to Palace this season has been the fact that Olise and Eberechi Eze have only played together on three occasions.
Arsenal TEAM NEWS
Four changes for Arsenal from their 2-0 FA Cup defeat to Liverpool.
The big news is Gabriel Jesus is back and fit in a huge boost for the Gunners, while Oleksandr Zinchenko returns after a calf problem.
Leandro Trossard and David Raya also come in with Jakub Kiwior, Aaron Ramsdale, Reiss Nelson and Jorginho dropping out from the starting XI.
Can Arsenal reignite their title challenge?
Speaking of Arsenal’s struggles, the Gunners have picked up just four points in their past five Premier League games.
After a stunning 4-3 comeback win over Luton at the beginning of December, which looked like the sort of thing champions do, they have lost ground in the title race.
Defeats to Aston Villa, West Ham and Fulham have been accompanied by a draw against Liverpool in the league and a victory against Brighton.
Arteta’s side are now fourth and five points behind Jurgen Klopp’s side in first.
Plenty for the Spaniard to have thought about over the past 13 days…
Arsenal are in the building
Mikel Arteta needs a big performance from his side today after three successive losses across competitions.
The Gunners’ most recent defeat to Liverpool in the FA Cup was particularly galling given they dominated the first half and missed several gilt-edged chances, before the Reds drastically improved in the second half.
They have had 13 days off since that loss though and spent time in Dubai on a warm-weather training camp so you’d expect them to be well-rested today.
Team news is coming up in just over 10 minutes.
What’s on the agenda this weekend?
Well, despite just 10 teams playing over Saturday, Sunday and Monday, there are still plenty of talking points.
Ivan Toney is set to make his long-awaited return from an eight-month betting ban this evening when his struggling Brentford side host Nottingham Forest.
Liverpool travel to in-form Bournemouth tomorrow without Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah, with the Egyptian rather worryingly picking up an injury on Thursday at AFCON.
There’s also the small matter of Arsenal hoping to get back on track after a dismal festive period this lunchtime against Crystal Palace, along with plenty of other talking points.
The full schedule is as follows:
SAT 12:30PM – Arsenal vs Crystal Palace
SAT 5:30PM – Brentford vs Nottingham Forest
SUN 2PM – Sheffield United vs West Ham
SUN 4:30PM – Bournemouth vs Liverpool
MON 7:45PM – Brighton vs Wolves
The calm before the storm
Good Morning
And welcome to Mail Sport’s live coverage of Arsenal’s Premier League encounter against Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium.
Be sure to stay with us for all the build-up, team news and updates from the huge clash on Saturday lunchtime.