Arsenal Ends Losing Streak with Emphatic 5-0 Victory over Crystal Palace
Gabriel Magalhaes’ Heroics Lead Gunners to Much-Needed Triumph
London, January 20, 2024 – Arsenal put an abrupt end to their troubling three-game losing streak in spectacular fashion, thrashing Crystal Palace 5-0 at the Emirates Stadium in a Premier League clash. In a match where Arsenal’s forwards struggled to find the back of the net, central defender Gabriel Magalhaes emerged as the unlikely hero, scoring two goals and assisting another to lead the Gunners to a much-needed victory.
Gabriel Magalhaes Takes Center Stage
With Arsenal’s forwards struggling to find the back of the net in recent matches, Gabriel took matters into his own hands. The Brazilian defender rose above Chris Richards to head in a corner from Declan Rice in the 11th minute, giving the Gunners an early lead. Gabriel’s second goal came in the 37th minute, although it was initially ruled as an own goal by Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson. Upon closer inspection, it was determined that Gabriel’s header bounced off Henderson’s head and into the net, securing the Brazilian his second goal of the match.
Arsenal’s Dominance Translates into Goals
Arsenal’s dominance in possession and chances created finally paid off against Crystal Palace. Leandro Trossard added to the lead in the 59th minute, finishing off a quick counterattack with a fierce strike from inside the penalty area. Substitute Gabriel Martinelli put the icing on the cake with two goals in stoppage time. The Brazilian forward latched onto passes from Eddie Nketiah and Jorginho, respectively, and calmly slotted the ball past Henderson to complete the rout.
Relief and Jubilation at Emirates Stadium
The victory was a huge relief for Arsenal and their fans, who had witnessed their team’s struggles in recent weeks. The Gunners had lost three consecutive matches in all competitions, including a disappointing FA Cup exit to Liverpool. Manager Mikel Arteta praised his team’s performance, particularly Gabriel’s contribution. “We worked a lot on set pieces because we know the quality we have,” Arteta said. “Today, Gabriel scored two, so we keep that going.”
Palace’s Woes Continue
Crystal Palace, on the other hand, remained in 14th place in the Premier League standings, just five points above the relegation zone. Manager Roy Hodgson’s future at the club came under scrutiny following the heavy defeat, especially with former Chelsea and Brighton coach Graham Potter watching the game from the stands.
Arsenal Looks Ahead with Renewed Confidence
With the victory, Arsenal climbed above Aston Villa into third place in the Premier League table. The Gunners are now just two points behind leaders Liverpool, who face Bournemouth on Sunday. The emphatic win against Crystal Palace has boosted Arsenal’s confidence and momentum as they look to challenge for the Premier League title. The Gunners will be aiming to continue their winning ways when they travel to Leicester City in their next league fixture on January 24.
Full Match Report
First Half:
Arsenal started brightly, controlling possession and creating chances from the outset. Gabriel Magalhaes opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a well-taken header from a Declan Rice corner. The Brazilian defender doubled his tally in the 37th minute, nodding in another delivery from Bukayo Saka, although it was initially ruled as an own goal by Dean Henderson. Crystal Palace struggled to create clear-cut opportunities, with Arsenal’s defense standing firm. David Raya made a fine save to deny Jefferson Lerma’s long-range strike in the 33rd minute.
Second Half:
Arsenal continued to dominate possession after the break but struggled to add to their lead. Leandro Trossard eventually made it 3-0 in the 59th minute, finishing off a quick counterattack with a fierce strike from inside the penalty area. Gabriel Martinelli came off the bench to add two more goals in stoppage time, both assisted by Eddie Nketiah and Jorginho, respectively. Crystal Palace failed to mount a comeback, and Arsenal secured a comfortable 5-0 victory.
Key Statistics:
- Possession: Arsenal 63%, Crystal Palace 37%
- Shots: Arsenal 19, Crystal Palace 4
- Shots on Target: Arsenal 10, Crystal Palace 1
- Corners: Arsenal 10, Crystal Palace 3
- Fouls: Arsenal 9, Crystal Palace 12
- Yellow Cards: Arsenal 0, Crystal Palace 0
- Red Cards: Arsenal 0, Crystal Palace 0
Starting Lineups:
Arsenal: Raya; White, Gabriel, Saliba, Tierney; Rice, Partey; Saka, Ødegaard, Trossard; Jesus
Crystal Palace: Henderson; Clyne, Richards, Guehi, Mitchell; Schlupp, Doucouré, Eze; Ayew, Olise, Zaha
Substitutions:
Arsenal: Martinelli (for Trossard, 75′), Nketiah (for Jesus, 80′), Jorginho (for Saka, 85′)
Crystal Palace: Ayew (for Zaha, 60′), Mateta (for Olise, 70′), Eze (for Schlupp, 80′)
Conclusion:
Arsenal’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Crystal Palace was a much-needed boost for the Gunners, who had endured a difficult run of form in recent weeks. Gabriel Magalhaes’ heroic performance, scoring two goals and assisting another, was the catalyst for Arsenal’s success. The win lifted Arsenal to third place in the Premier League table, just two points behind leaders Liverpool. With renewed confidence and momentum, Arsenal will look to continue their winning ways in their upcoming fixtures.