Crushing Crystal Palace, Arsenal returns to the top 3 in the Premier League.

The nearly 2-week break is truly precious for Arsenal as coach Mikel Arteta’s players fully recover their physical strength and are ready for the London derby in round 21 of the Premier League. The last three draws and losses have pushed Arsenal to 4th place on the rankings, 5 points behind leading team Liverpool. They need to stop this poor streak if they don’t want to be left further behind in the championship race.

Entering the match, Arsenal organized an attack as soon as the opening whistle blew. The pressure created by the Gunners was so great, Crystal Palace could only crouch in defense to wait for a chance to counterattack.

But the away team could only hold out for more than 10 minutes. Arsenal soon put the ball into Palace’s net in the 11th and 37th minute. The person who left a mark in both situations was midfielder Gabriel Magalhaes with his smart runs and headers. However, the second goal was counted as an own goal by the Palace goalkeeper.

Although they tried hard to attack, the away team’s shots were all intercepted from afar, Crystal Palace could only hope for Arsenal’s mistakes.

In the second half, there was nothing left to lose. Crystal Palace pushed the team higher to attack. Arsenal could not reach the goal. Crystal Palace took long shots outside the penalty area. Unfortunately, the ball did not hit. destination.

Before there could be a goal to shorten the score, the away team’s net shook for the third time in the 53rd minute. From a quick counter-attack, G. Jesus passed the ball smoothly for Trossard to run up, the Belgian striker handled it skillfully. skillfully before scoring a goal, increasing the score to 3-0 for Arsenal.

LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 20: Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal pose for a photo as they celebrate following the team’s victory during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on January 20, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Crystal Palace completely collapsed after this third goal. Leandro Trossard was taken off and his replacement Gabriel Martinelli scored two goals in just a few dozen seconds in stoppage time to seal a “5-star” victory for Arsenal.

The jubilant win at home helped Arsenal temporarily climb to 3rd place with 43 points after 21 matches, equal to Man City but ranked behind due to poor difference.