Arsenal celebrated their Premier League title in style on Sunday, notching a 2-1 victory away at Crystal Palace just days after the trophy was confirmed. The Gunners’ 26th league win of a remarkable campaign came at Selhurst Park, where Mikel Arteta’s heavily rotated side showed the depth and focus that has defined their season. With the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain looming on Saturday in Budapest, Arteta made the bold call to rest several key figures.
William Saliba, David Raya, and Leandro Trossart were left out of the matchday squad entirely, while Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and captain Martin Ødegaard started on the bench. The changes meant opportunities for others, and Gabriel Jesus seized his moment, even if it took him four clear-cut chances to find the net. The Brazilian striker rattled the post in the 4th minute, was denied by Dean Henderson in a one-on-one moments later, and then headed off target before the break.
His persistence paid off three minutes before halftime. Gabriel Martinelli carved open the Palace defense with a perfectly weighted pass, and Jesus finally slotted home to give Arsenal a deserved lead. It was a reward for his relentless movement and the team’s control of the first half, even with a reshuffled lineup.
The second half saw Arsenal continue to threaten, and their set-piece proficiency came to the fore once more. Noni Madueke, a summer signing who has grown into the system, scored directly from a corner to make it 2-0. That goal marked the 19th time this Premier League season that Arsenal have found the net from a set-piece situation, underlining the squad’s aerial dominance and well-drilled routines.
For much of the match, Arsenal’s makeshift defense looked comfortable, and a 20th clean sheet of the league campaign seemed on the cards. However, Crystal Palace, who themselves have a European final to prepare for, refused to lie down. Substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta rose highest to head home in the 88th minute, ruining Arsenal’s hopes of a shutout and giving the home fans something to cheer.
Palace pushed for an equalizer deep into stoppage time, and when Yeremy Pino’s shot was deflected in by Evann Guessand, Selhurst Park erupted. But the assistant referee’s flag was up for offside, and after a brief check, the goal was disallowed, preserving Arsenal’s win. It was a cruel twist for the Eagles, but a relief for the champions.
The result keeps Arsenal’s momentum rolling at the perfect time. With six days until the showdown with PSG, Arteta will be pleased with the balance his side struck between resting stars and maintaining competitive rhythm. The depth on display—players like Madueke, Jesus, and Martinelli stepping up—will give the manager confidence that his squad can handle the intensity of a Champions League final.
For Palace, attention now turns to the UEFA Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday. The team will have noted the positive response after going two down, and Mateta’s impact off the bench could be a key weapon in Budapest. The Eagles have enjoyed a fine season, and a European trophy would be a historic achievement.
Arsenal’s triumph has been built on relentless consistency and a rock-solid defense, though the late concession will sting slightly. Their 26 wins is a testament to Arteta’s project, and the title was secured earlier in the week after Manchester City’s draw at Bournemouth. This victory was an opportunity to celebrate that success and fine-tune for the biggest game of the season.
The Gunners now travel to Hungary full of belief, knowing they have the squad depth and tactical flexibility to overcome PSG. Meanwhile, Palace’s journey to the Conference League final adds a subplot to this match—both clubs are on the cusp of European glory, and this contest served as a fitting tune-up.
In the end, it was a professional, if not flawless, performance from the champions. The rotation worked, the set-piece machine kept humming, and the only minor blemish was Mateta’s consolation. As the final whistle blew, Arsenal’s players and staff could look ahead to the ultimate test with the Premier League trophy already in the cabinet and a chance at immortality just one game away.
Based on reporting from L'Equipe.
