Arsenal rounded off their title-winning Premier League season with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, marking their ninth consecutive win in the competition.
The hosts pushed relentlessly in the closing stages and came close to snatching a late equaliser, but the champions held firm to secure another impressive result.
Arsenal nearly made an early breakthrough within the opening minutes when Gabriel Jesus struck the post, before Dean Henderson reacted quickly to deny Noni Madueke on the rebound. Jesus, who has previously enjoyed success against Palace, was a constant threat throughout the first half but was repeatedly kept at bay by Henderson, including a crucial one-on-one save.
However, persistence paid off as Jesus eventually found the back of the net. Latching onto a well-timed pass from fellow Brazilian Gabriel Martinelli, he fired past Henderson at the near post to give Arsenal the lead.
Crystal Palace struggled to create chances before the break, managing just a single attempt of note, though Daniel Muñoz’s diving header forced a sharp save from Kepa Arrizabalaga, making his only league appearance of the season.
Both sides made several changes after the interval, and Arsenal quickly doubled their advantage. From a set-piece, Martinelli delivered a precise corner to the far post where Kai Havertz nodded the ball back into danger, allowing Madueke to finish with a composed volley.
Palace responded with renewed energy, but Jørgen Strand Larsen wasted a promising opportunity by firing over from inside the penalty area. Arsenal supporters were later lifted by the return of Mikel Merino from injury, while youngster Max Dowman made history as the youngest-ever Premier League starter before being substituted.
Attention also turned to substitute Eberechi Eze, a former Arsenal academy player, whose introduction drew mixed reactions from the home crowd.
Merino came close to adding a third for Arsenal late on but failed to convert from close range. Palace did manage to pull one back when Yéremy Pino delivered a cross that Jean-Philippe Mateta headed home, registering his fourth goal against Arsenal.
Pino thought he had levelled moments later, only for the effort to be ruled out due to offside interference by Evann Guessand.
Despite the late pressure, Arsenal secured a fifth straight league win, capping off a dominant campaign with 26 victories—matching the record set by their famed “Invincibles” side.
For Crystal Palace, the defeat brought an end to their five-match unbeaten run at Selhurst Park in Oliver Glasner’s final home game in charge. Both clubs now shift focus to their respective European finals in the coming week.
Did Arsenal play well this season?
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