Arsenal were denied victory by a late screamer from Jean-Philippe Mateta as Crystal Palace earned a hard-fought draw at the Emirates Stadium. The hosts went into the match knowing that defeat would officially hand the Premier League title to Liverpool. They managed to delay the celebrations on Merseyside but failed to claim all three points, with Palace landing a share of the spoils in dramatic fashion.
Mikel Arteta chose to rest several of Arsenal‘s key players ahead of next week’s Champions League semi-final meeting with PSG. They got off to the ideal start when Jakub Kiwior headed home inside the opening three minutes, but were soon pegged back with Eberechi Eze volleying into the bottom corner.
Leandro Trossard restored his side’s lead before the break, twisting and turning before firing a disguised finish into the back of the net. The visitors eventually levelled again as Mateta sent a long-range chip into an empty net, capitalising on a dreadful error from William Saliba with David Raya also enduring a torrid time in goal.
Express Sport rates and slates the Arsenal players following tonight’s match…
Arsenal player ratings vs Crystal Palace
David Raya – 4
Looked unusually shaky but couldn’t have done much to stop Eze from scoring with a sumptuous volley. Passing was sloppy by his own high standards. Responsible for a few nervy moments and was nowhere to be seen for Mateta’s late strike.
Jurrien Timber – 7
Struggled to lock down the right flank early on but improved as the game progressed. Fared better in attack, zipping a fine pass into Trossard’s feet in the build-up to Arsenal‘s second goal.
William Saliba – 5
Took a while to grow into the contest but had the answers to pretty much everything until the latter stages. Had a nightmare for Mateta’s late equaliser, losing his concentration and gifting the ball to his fellow Frenchman. A moment to forget.
Jakub Kiwior – 8
Rose highest to slam home a brilliant header and give Arsenal the perfect start. Got down excellently for a crucial block to stop Eddie Nketiah from scoring in the first half. Defended well throughout and was his side’s best player.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6
Was positive on the ball and showed great control to beat his marker on a few occasions. Did okay in defence too. A decent display without pulling up any trees.
Martin Odegaard – 6
Whipped in an outstanding set-piece delivery for Kiwior’s early goal. Went a bit quiet after that but still managed to keep things ticking in the middle of the park.
Thomas Partey – 6
Wasn’t sharp enough with his passing in the first half but got better after the break. Showed good composure to get his side out of a few difficult situations.
Declan Rice – 6
Created a few chances with his driving runs through the middle of the pitch. Had the confidence to shoot from range on several occasions without hitting the target. Booked for a push on Nketiah.
Raheem Sterling – 6
Made plenty of inroads down the right flank with some clever running in the opening exchanges and helped out in defence too. Struggled to maintain the same level of intensity, though, and was hooked on the hour mark.
Gabriel Martinelli – 6
Had a great chance to break away in the early stages but ran himself into touch. Was heavily involved in most attacking moves but lacked an end product at times.
Leandro Trossard – 7
Led the line well enough and took his goal brilliantly with a clever touch and pinpoint finish into the bottom corner.
Substitutes
Bukayo Saka – 6
Was introduced on the hour mark, replacing Sterling. Nearly scored with a fine volley late on but was denied by a reaction save.
Ethan Nwaneri – n/a
A late addition.
Kieran Tierney – n/a
A late addition.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk