- Arsenal twice took the lead but failed to hold on, drawing 2:2 with Crystal Palace in a London derby
- Jean-Philippe Mateta punished a late defensive blunder by William Saliba to equalise in the 83rd minute
- Liverpool’s title celebration was postponed, though they now need just one more point to secure the Premier League crown
Key Takeaways:
Arsenal and Crystal Palace finished 2:2 in a London derby from the 34th round of the Premier League. The opening two goals came from set-piece deliveries — Jakub Kiwior (3’) put the hosts in front with a header, and Eberechi Eze (27’) responded with a fine strike from the edge of the box. Leandro Trossard restored the lead for the Gunners three minutes before the break, but substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta equalised in the 83rd minute following a disastrous mistake by William Saliba. The draw delayed Liverpool’s coronation as Premier League champions, although the Merseyside club now need just a single point to lift the title.
Crystal Palace's tweet minutes after their draw with Arsenal 🫣🤣 pic.twitter.com/YCRGCNecmY
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 23, 2025
The match at the Emirates started perfectly for the home side, who were awarded a free-kick near the sideline. Martin Odegaard’s delivery was misread by the Eagles’ backline, and Jakub Kiwior headed the ball inside the right post — 1:0.
In the 27th minute, a corner aimed at the arc of the penalty area surprised Arsenal’s defenders, who had completely lost track of Eberechi Eze. The midfielder struck the ball first time through a crowd of players, and with the help of the right post, beat David Raya — 1:1.
Towards the end of the first half, Arsenal pushed again and reclaimed their advantage in the 42nd minute. Jurrien Timber surged forward on the right and found Leandro Trossard in the penalty area. The Belgian showed fine footwork against two defenders, and his shot took a deflection off an opponent before nestling in the near corner for 2:1.
Just when it seemed Arsenal were in full control and heading for three points, the visitors were handed a lifeline. In the 83rd minute, William Saliba misjudged a pass while building from the back, and with David Raya off his line, Jean-Philippe Mateta capitalised by sending the ball into the empty net for the final score of 2:2.