Arsenal's title bid hit a snag at the Emirates as Crystal Palace delivered a stunning late equalizer to deny Mikel Arteta's side full points. A 2-2 draw means Liverpool need just one point from their next game to clinch the Premier League crown, pushing the title race to the brink.
The match broke open early. Jakub Kiwior's first-half opener was quickly followed by Leandro Trossard's neat finish, giving Arsenal a seemingly comfortable lead. Data tells the story: Arsenal managed 58% possession and 12 shots on target, while Palace's men recorded only 3 shots on target before the break.
But Palace weren't just making up the numbers. Eberechi Eze smashed home a volley in the 55th minute to haul his team level. Then, with eight minutes to go, super-sub Jean-Philippe Mateta spotted Arsenal keeper David Raya stranded high. With ice-cool precision, he chipped home what he later described as 'one of the best goals' of his career, earning Palace a point and silencing the home crowd.
'When I started on the bench I could see he was very high up. I knew if I won the ball I could try, so I did and scored,' Mateta said.
This result leaves Arsenal on 67 points with four games remaining – still chasing Liverpool's 79-point mark. Had Arsenal lost, Liverpool would have sealed the title immediately. Now, the Reds can wrap up their record-equaling 20th English title with a draw at home to Tottenham Hotspur this Sunday.
Both teams now switch focus to cup semifinals: Arsenal host Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League, and Palace head to Wembley to face Aston Villa in the FA Cup. Momentum in knockout ties can often hinge on confidence – something Palace just boosted against a heavyweight rival.
Arteta admitted his side lacked consistency: 'We didn't find enough in our actions to dominate. It cost us two points. With the most important game of the season in six days, we need to recover fast.'
With data showing Arsenal's league draws soar to 13 this season (five in their last eight), Liverpool fans will be watching Tottenham's approach closely, hoping to gift their team a moment to celebrate.
As the title race hangs in the balance, one thing's for sure: English football just delivered another twist.
Reference(s):
Crystal Palace deny Arsenal win to leave Liverpool on brink of title
cgtn.com
