Arsenal finished their Premier League title winning season with a flourish, downing Crystal Palace 2-1 at Selhurst Park. Both sides heavily rotated their lineups ahead of European finals next week and played with the expected lower intensity you’d expect in such circumstances. It was a day of celebration, nonetheless. The Arsenal supporters were in full voice all match, celebrating the club’s first Premier League title in 22 years.
“We are unbearable” and “Champions of England, we know what we are”
were common refrains. Love it.
Gabriel Jesus missed a couple really good chances before finishing perhaps the most difficult of the bunch, an excellent encapsulation of his time at Arsenal. The goal was created in large part by a fantastic flicked touch by Max Dowman in the midfield that sprung Gabriel Martinelli through the middle to pick out his compatriot.
Arsenal doubled the lead six minutes later from a corner kick, adding to their Premier League best set piece goal total. Kai Havertz came free at the back post to head the ball down towards the penalty spot. Noni Madueke swept it home. Set piece again, ole ole!
Crystal Palace pulled a goal back late through J.P. Mateta. I was a bit disappointed to lose the clean sheet but remembering Arsenal are champions drew that sting immediately. The home side looked to have equalized a few minutes later, but Yeremy Pino’s shot from the edge of the box deflected off an offside Evann Guessand. The goal was chalked off by the linesman’s flag — it didn’t have to go to VAR.
The Palace fans gave Ebere Eze a nice ovation when he came on in the second half. It was lovely for Gabriel Jesus to get a goal in what might be his last appearance for the club. Mikel Merino returned to the pitch for the first time since breaking a bone in his foot in January. Most importantly, it looked as if Arsenal came through the match without any injuries. Noni Madueke came off after going down to receive treatment, but he looked to be telling his teammates he was fine.
Elsewhere in the Premier League, West Ham took care of business against Leeds (3-0) but Tottenham downed Everton 1-0, guaranteeing their safety. Manchester City, Manchester United, Aston Villa, and Liverpool will join Arsenal in the Champions League. Bournemouth and Sunderland will head to the Europa League. Brighton to the Conference League. Chelsea fell out of the European places, which is quite funny.
Arsenal are CHAMPIONS! Enjoy the celebrations! Onward to Budapest for the Champions League final.
