Photo credit: www.theguardian.com
Key events
32 min Current expected goals (xG) according to Sky Sports: Arsenal 0.13 – Crystal Palace 1.05.
Share
32 min “Assuming Mikel Merino is affectionately called ‘Dan’, what about Nwaneri? Is it too much to hope it’s ‘Claudio’?” remarks Mac Millings.
Perhaps Merino’s nickname is simply ‘San’?
Share
31 min The corner from Palace is insufficiently dealt with by Raya, allowing Eze to take a 20-yard shot that sails over the goal.
Share
30 min: Crucial defensive play by Kiwior! Palace applies significant pressure. Eze intercepts a crossfield ball, feeding Nketiah, who is just six yards out. His attempt is thwarted by Kiwior’s timely block with his trailing leg, a shot that may have found the net.
Share
Wharton aimed the corner towards the unmarked Eze on the edge of the box. Displaying excellent technique, Eze controlled the volley expertly, striking the ground with it before it evaded the diving Raya via the inside of the post. A remarkable goal.
Updated at 21.31 CEST
GOAL! Arsenal 1-1 Crystal Palace (Eze 27)
Ebere Eze scores an exceptional goal, both unexpected and thrilling.
Share
26 min Munoz successfully locates the underlapping Kamada, who wins a corner after a deflection off Rice. Despite the current scoreline, Palace has shown remarkable quality, suggesting a greater chance of victory now than at the game’s outset.
Share
Updated at 21.31 CEST
25 min Saliba intercepts a through ball from Devenny, stepping in ahead of Nketiah near the Arsenal zone.
23 min Sterling weaves in from the wing, combining with Trossard, before finding Rice on the edge of the area. After a challenging touch, Rice unleashes a powerful strike that narrowly misses the left post.
Share
Updated at 21.31 CEST
22 min “If this ends in a stalemate tonight, must we crown Liverpool as champions?” muses Krishnamoorthy V. “The math for Arsenal to bridge a 12-point gap looks improbable.”
However, even if Arsenal were to close that gap—which appears unlikely—they would likely eclipse Liverpool’s goal difference. Liverpool’s championship status is well-established since January, and a draw wouldn’t alter that fact.
Share
20 min Devenny sprints forward to link up with Munoz, whose cross is intercepted right at the near post. Palace’s attacking intent is evident.
Share
20 min “The Arsenal defenders are doing their best to keep things lively,” comments Charles Antaki. “While it adds drama, it doesn’t accurately represent what supporters desire.”
19 min Mitchell’s cross to Raya from a promising Palace play is handled comfortably. The match remains dynamic.
Share
16 min “I’m excited about tonight’s football,” notes Giovanni Cafagna. “While Arsenal faces CP, Milan is contending with Inter in Italy’s Cup semi-final. The stakes are high following their initial 1-1 draw.”
“A loss for Milan could symbolize the end of a disheartening season. Meanwhile, Inter risks losing their chance at the Treble. As for predictions, I envision a Champions League showdown between Inter and PSG or Arsenal, possibly leaving Napoli to lift the Scudetto.”
Share
13 min: Palace threatens! Eze slots an excellent pass into the path of Nketiah. Raya rushes out but halts abruptly, forcing Nketiah wide; he manages to deliver a low pass that narrowly evades Kiwior and creates a potential opportunity for Devenny, before a relieved Raya collects.
Share
Updated at 21.19 CEST
12 min “Does your website track how many people just grabbed their coats?” remarks Ian Copestake.
Share
11 min The impact of Kiwior’s goal can be monitored on our dedicated leading scorer page.
Share
10 min At the opposite end, Rice fires a shot narrowly past the near post. Both teams have shown offensive vigor early in the match.
Share
Updated at 21.16 CEST
8 min: Palace has an opportunity The corner taken by Wharton results in a header from Nketiah that goes wide. He was under pressure, but it was indeed a good opportunity given that Raya was off his line.
Share
Updated at 21.10 CEST
7 min After some chaotic play in the Arsenal box, Kamada manages a half-volley that deflects and goes just past the far post, indicating Palace’s intent to be aggressive.
Share
6 min Mitchell’s long ball is volleyed back into the area by Munoz, but Raya collects safely. A more precise pass might have created a clearer chance for Guehi, but it was a challenging ball to control.
Share
Kiwior’s head from Odegaard’s out-swinging free-kick found the net after a foul by Lerma on Martinelli. A powerful header from 12 yards evaded Henderson, marking Kiwior’s first goal this season.
Updated at 21.23 CEST
GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace (Kiwior 3)
Arsenal capitalizes on a well-executed set piece.
Share
1 min Palace initiates the match moving from right to left.
Team line-up reminder
Arsenal (4-3-3) Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Sterling, Trossard, Martinelli.
Substitutes: Neto, Tierney, Zinchenko, Gower, Henry-Francis, Butler-Oyedeji, Kabia, Nwaneri, Saka.
Crystal Palace (3-4-2-1) Henderson; Lerma, Lacroix, Guehi; Munoz, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell; Devenny, Eze; Nketiah.
Substitutes: Turner, Ward, Clyne, Kporha, Hughes, Esse, Sarr, Franca, Mateta.
Updated at 20.59 CEST
Head-to-head record
Arsenal has dominated recent matches against Palace, winning the last six encounters, with a total of 20 goals scored, including a 5-1 victory at Selhurst Park during the earlier fixture. The last time Palace triumphed at the Emirates was in April 2019, a match marked by the managerial contests of Roy Hodgson and Unai Emery.
Crystal Palace will be keen to avoid another significant defeat on the eve of an FA Cup semi-final, especially considering it would signify three losses in the last four matches. Such a pattern would undoubtedly be deemed less than ideal.
An email from Ian Copestake, one of our resident Liverpool supporters
You haven’t caught sight of me, right?
Share
“Any thoughts on the Champions League?” queries Arsenal fan Bill Hargreaves. “(Brace yourself for the agony.)”
Before the quarter-final second legs, my perspective shifted from PSG being the favorites to a more balanced 60/40 split. Arsenal, under Arteta, can be a formidable side when on form; this could be their best shot since 2006. I anticipate Inter overcoming Barcelona but ultimately falling to PSG or Arsenal in the finals.
Updated at 21.03 CEST
Mikel Arteta disclosed that Mikel Merino and Ben White experienced fitness concerns following the Ipswich match and are unavailable for selection. Bukayo Saka will start on the bench, contributing to concerns regarding squad depth.
The absence of Merino could have substantial implications against PSG, though expectations are that Saka will be back to full fitness soon.
Updated at 20.37 CEST
Current Premier League standings
“One could presume Arsenal is determined to seize control today, potentially deciding the championship,” speculates Krishnamoothy V. “Last time, Klopp watched as Chelsea secured the title for them, and today it seems Slot is prepared to celebrate.”
Share
Upcoming match: Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa (FA Cup semi-final, Saturday 5:15 pm)
Update on team news: Merino ruled out, Saka rested
Both managers have fielded notably strong line-ups. While Bukayo Saka is rested due to a recent injury concern from Ipswich, the absence of Mikel Merino remains unclear—whether it’s precautionary or injury-related remains to be seen.
Apart from these adjustments, both teams have fielded their best available strategies. Myles Lewis-Skelly, Jurrien Timber, Thomas Partey, and Raheem Sterling step in for Oleksandr Zinchenko, Ben White, Merino, and Saka, respectively.
For Palace, Ismaila Sarr, Jean-Philippe Mateta, and Will Hughes have dropped to the bench, replaced by Daichi Kamada, Eddie Nketiah, and Justin Devenny, while Jefferson Lerma assumes the position of the suspended Chris Richards in the defense.
Arsenal (4-3-3) Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Sterling, Trossard, Martinelli.
Substitutes: Neto, Tierney, Zinchenko, Gower, Henry-Francis, Butler-Oyedeji, Kabia, Nwaneri, Saka.
Crystal Palace (3-4-2-1) Henderson; Lerma, Lacroix, Guehi; Munoz, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell; Devenny, Eze; Nketiah.
Substitutes: Turner, Ward, Clyne, Kporha, Hughes, Esse, Sarr, Franca, Mateta.
Referee Michael Salisbury.
Share
Updated at 20.59 CEST
Arsenal finds themselves in a favorable position, with nearly a week available to recuperate ahead of the Champions League semi-final. However, the inherent risk of injury during a match always looms over any player.
Our mindset must remain focused. When players are healthy and eager to compete, they must take the field. Consistent play is essential for maximizing their performance potential.
Share
Crystal Palace initially sought to reschedule this match a day earlier. Nonetheless, the Premier League maintained its schedule, raising questions for Oliver Glasner regarding player rotation. Should the focus be on resting key players or providing limited playtime for others?
With Aston Villa also looming on Tuesday, a fair approach would have involved both teams playing simultaneously. At this late stage, the timing of rest days can significantly impact performance. Yet, we must adapt and focus on being fully prepared for Saturday’s match.
Share
Match Overview
Welcome to this exciting clash between Arsenal and Crystal Palace, an unscripted showcase of football talent and strategy. Both teams find themselves facing pivotal semi-finals on the horizon—Palace’s on Saturday and Arsenal’s next Tuesday—making this match a potential distraction.
While it may not be crucial for either side, a victorious performance by Palace would have broader implications, allowing Liverpool to secure their 20th championship title, celebrated with their supporters for the first time in over three decades.
Kick-off set for 8 PM.
Source
www.theguardian.com