Jean-Philippe Mateta’s late brilliance earned Crystal Palace a 2-2 draw at the Emirates, stalling Arsenal’s title pursuit and boosting Liverpool.
Arsenal twice led in Wednesday night’s encounter, thanks to Jakub Kiwior’s third-minute header and Leandro Trossard’s sharp finish in the first half.
However, Palace responded with a well-taken volley from Eberechi Eze and an audacious late chip by Mateta, who came off the bench to snatch a point for the visitors.
The result leaves Arsenal on 67 points with four matches left, meaning they can now only match Liverpool’s current total of 79.
The Merseyside club, with five games remaining, need just one point from Sunday’s clash against Tottenham at Anfield to clinch the Premier League title.
“When I saw the goalkeeper high, I knew I had a chance,” said Mateta, who was named man-of-the-match despite coming on in the 80th minute. “I tried it, and it worked. One of the best goals of my career.”
While Arsenal fielded a near full-strength squad, including returning defender Jurrien Timber, they lacked their usual edge.
Bukayo Saka was rested, starting on the bench, and although Gabriel Martinelli had a goal chalked off by VAR, the Gunners failed to find the rhythm needed to secure all three points.
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Palace, sitting twelfth on the log, showed no signs of distraction ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa.
Even with Mateta and Ismaila Sarr initially benched, the Eagles displayed resilience and tactical awareness, taking full advantage of Arsenal’s inconsistency.
Eze’s goal—a crisp volley from Adam Wharton’s corner—leveled the scores before Trossard restored Arsenal’s lead.
But a late misstep from William Saliba handed Palace an opening, which Mateta seized with a deft chip over David Raya.
Manager Mikel Arteta admitted his side lacked consistency and intensity. “We didn’t dominate as we should have.
It cost us two crucial points. Now we must recharge before next week’s Champions League semi-final.”
Palace’s head coach Oliver Glasner hailed his team’s performance, stating it was the perfect boost ahead of their Wembley outing.
“We’ll carry this spirit into Saturday’s game,” he said.
The draw marks Arsenal’s 13th of the season—and fifth in their last eight matches—a run that may well have handed Liverpool their record-equalling 20th league crown.
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