Gabriel Jesus and Noni Madueke scored either side of half-time as Arsenal defeated Crystal Palace 2-1 at Selhurst Park.
Jesus broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute before Madueke doubled Arsenal’s advantage three minutes after the restart.
Substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta pulled one back for Crystal Palace in the 89th minute, but Arsenal survived the late pressure to complete the victory.
Jesus rewards Arsenal’s first-half control
Arsenal controlled much of the possession during the opening half, but Crystal Palace kept the visitors from turning that advantage into an early goal.
The breakthrough eventually came in the 42nd minute when Jesus put Arsenal ahead.
It was a well-timed intervention from the striker, arriving shortly before the interval and ensuring Arsenal’s greater control was reflected on the scoreboard.
Palace still threatened from set pieces and attacking throw-ins, but Arsenal reached half-time with their 1-0 lead intact.
Madueke strikes immediately after the restart
Palace made changes at half-time as they attempted to alter the direction of the match, with Tyrick Mitchell and Yeremy Pino among those introduced.
Arsenal, however, struck again before the changes could have their intended effect.
Madueke scored in the 48th minute to put the visitors 2-0 ahead and leave Palace with a difficult route back into the contest.
The second goal reflected Arsenal’s overall attacking superiority. The visitors registered 16 shots during the match, compared with Palace’s six, and tested the goalkeeper six times.
Palace struggled to create clear openings. One of their better second-half opportunities arrived when Pino found Jørgen Strand Larsen in the half-space, but the striker sent his effort over the crossbar from around 15 metres.
Mateta changes the contest from the bench
Palace turned to Mateta in the 77th minute, replacing Strand Larsen as they searched for a late response.
The substitution eventually paid off.
With one minute of normal time remaining, Pino supplied Mateta for Palace’s goal. The finish was checked before being confirmed following a VAR review.
The goal changed the mood inside Selhurst Park and forced Arsenal to defend through a tense closing period.
Palace pushed players forward and won free kicks and throw-ins in advanced areas, but the visitors managed the final moments without conceding an equaliser.
Arsenal’s efficiency makes the difference
Arsenal finished with 59 per cent possession and completed 493 passes at an accuracy of 90 per cent.
That control allowed them to dictate long periods of the match, while their greater attacking output produced two goals at crucial times.
Jesus struck just before the interval and Madueke scored almost immediately after it. That three-minute spell across the two halves ultimately decided the contest.
Palace’s substitutes gave the home side renewed energy, with Pino creating the goal and Mateta scoring it, but their response arrived too late to overturn Arsenal’s advantage.
Crystal Palace vs Arsenal statistics
| Statistic | Crystal Palace | Arsenal |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 41% | 59% |
| Shots | 6 | 16 |
| Shots on target | 3 | 6 |
| Passes | 296 | 493 |
| Pass accuracy | 82% | 90% |
| Corners | 3 | 4 |
| Fouls | 9 | 12 |
| Yellow cards | 0 | 1 |
| Red cards | 0 | 0 |
| Offsides | 1 | 0 |
