Here is how football.londonrated the Arsenal player performances against Crystal Palace in the Premier League
Arsenal crowned their Premier League trophy lifting clash with victory on the final day to confirm a comfortable margin over their closest rivals, Manchester City. In what was something of an exhibition ahead of the UEFA Champions League final next weekend, there was a chance for some players to be rested, others to get some minutes, and others to stake their claim for consideration.
After a flurry of opportunities for Gabriel Jesus, he finally broke the deadlock at the fourth time of asking, slotting a low drive past Dean Henderson, played in by Gabriel Martinelli.
The second came at the start of the second half, Noni Madueke volleying in from a Kai Havertz header to give the Gunners their 19th goal from a corner this season.
Jean-Phillippe Mateta got one back with a header before Yeremy Pino thought he had equalised, but a touch off an offside Evann Guessand ruled out the leveller.
Overall, it was a game that promised little in terms of stakes but delivered some nice goals on the day and a good three points for the new champions.
Here is how football.london rated the Arsenal player performances:
Kepa – Very good save from the Spaniard from Daniel Munoz’s diving header. Outside of this chance had very little to do outside of watching Mateta head past him. 7
Mosquera – Played right-sided centre-half instead of right-back as Mikel Arteta tried something different ahead of the final. He was caught out by Mateta for the Palace goal, losing his man as he leapt to head past Kepa. 6
Norgaard – Played a hybrid midfield role, mainly offering the link between the back line and the attack, but was taken off at half-time. 6
Hincapie – Solid, as we have come to expect, the Ecuadorian made his case to play in next week’s final. 7
Calafiori – Had a quiet first half and was replaced at the break, having mainly offered progressive passing. 6
Zubimendi – Played mainly as a right back turned wide midfielder in the game; perhaps Arteta is trying something for the final. Some nice passing movements and connections, but it didn’t stand out as natural for the Spaniard. 6
Lewis-Skelly – Playing in his newfound midfield role, the youngster provided plenty of drive and offered some nice progression for the away side. 6
Dowman – Another lively and impressive display at the top level for the youngster, and if Jesus could finish, he might have an assist too. He got a lovely pre-assist when flicking the ball to Martinelli before the first goal. 8
Madueke – The winger had a lively first half but gave the Gunners their two-goal lead at the start of the second half, volleying in a great strike at goal. Left the field after a slight left hamstring tweak. 8
Jesus – Hit the post with his first attempt of the afternoon, a chance that needed to hit the target. Missed a one-on-one opportunity soon after, forcing a good save from Dean Henderson.
His third chance, a header, came to the back post where he glanced his attempt wide of the left post. Finally scored, driving low, and despite Henderson getting a hand to it, he couldn’t stop it going in at the near-post. 8
Martinelli – Had a good chance to take the lead for Arsenal, but was stopped by youngster Cardines after Dowman had laid him in. Found the pass to Jesus to give the Gunners the lead. Provided a great cross for Havertz that deserved a finish. 7
Substitutes:
Gabriel – Nice one-on-one battle with Guessand to win a duel and allow Kepa to collect. 7
Havertz – Great introduction, earning an assist after heading a corner into the path of Madueke, who scored the Gunners’ second. Could’ve scored from a Martinelli cross, but saw his shot blocked. 7
Mikel Merino – The Spaniard is returning to action for the first time since the start of the year, having recovered from a foot injury. Missed a great chance for the third, chipping Havertz’s cross over the bar. 6
Eze – Received a great ovation from the home side upon his return. Came close to getting on the end of a Martinello cross but Henderson caught the ball. Had a big chance at the end to score but fired his shot at Henderson. 6
Gyokeres – Had a run at goal down the right but ran the ball out of play. Created a great chance for Eze that should have been scored! 6
