Eze and Mateta Shine as Eagles Fight Back Twice, Leaving Gunners’ Premier League Dreams in Tatters
In a dramatic clash at the Emirates, Crystal Palace showed incredible resilience to come from behind twice against Arsenal, securing a 2-2 draw that all but ends the Gunners’ fading title hopes. Eberechi Eze and Jean-Philippe Mateta were the heroes for Oliver Glasner’s side, cancelling out goals from Arsenal’s Jakub Kiwior and Leandro Trossard in a match full of twists and turns.
The result leaves Liverpool needing just a single point against Tottenham on Sunday to clinch the Premier League title, while Arsenal—now 12 points adrift with only four games remaining—are left to rue another costly slip-up in their pursuit of glory.
Fast Start for Arsenal, But Palace Hit Back
Mikel Arteta’s men couldn’t have asked for a better start, with Kiwior rising highest to meet Martin Ødegaard’s free-kick just three minutes in, powering a header past Dean Henderson to send the home fans into raptures.
But Palace refused to be overawed, growing into the game and finding their equalizer in the 28th minute. Adam Wharton’s clever corner found Eze lurking on the edge of the box, and the midfielder unleashed a stunning volley that crashed in off the post, leaving David Raya with no chance.
The Eagles nearly turned the game on its head moments later, only for Kiwior to make a heroic block to deny Eddie Nketiah. However, Arsenal regained the lead just before halftime when Trossard weaved through the defense and fired a low strike past Henderson.
Palace’s Late Heroics Stun the Emirates
Arsenal pushed for a third after the break, with Bukayo Saka denied by a superb Henderson save. But just as the Gunners looked set to grind out a nervy win, disaster struck. A sloppy pass from William Saliba in the 83rd minute fell to Mateta, who seized the moment with a sensational long-range chip that looped over Raya and in off the crossbar, sending the traveling fans into delirium.
The draw gives Palace a major boost ahead of their FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa, while Arsenal’s title challenge now appears all but over. For Arteta’s men, it’s another painful reminder of the fine margins that have cost them this season—and one that may well hand Liverpool the crown this weekend.
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