FOR once, most Liverpool fans were hoping that Arsenal would not lose a Premier League game.
And when Jean-Philippe Mateta equalised with seven minutes left after a cock-up by William Saliba, Palace were just one goal away from handing Liverpool the title in north London.
Arsenal threw away two points against Crystal Palace
Arsenal saw victory slip away after Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta’s late equaliser
Arsenal led twice with goals by Jakub Kiwior and Leandro Trossard
So now, the champions-elect will be able to seal the deal at home, against Spurs, on Sunday.
It has been a remarkable season for Arne Slot and it will be even sweeter that he will be able to savour clinching the club’s 20th title in front of the Kop rather than watching the moment on TV.
Mateta’s equaliser came after team-mate Eberechi Eze cancelled out an opening goal by Jakub Kiwior. And it seemed that Leandro Trossard’s strike just before half-time would be enough before Saliba was punished for some terrible defending.
While many Liverpool fans might say they would not not care where they win the title, it feels only right it will be this Sunday.
Liverpool were unable to celebrate their 2020 Premier League title because of Covid restrictions. So if Slot’s team roll over Spurs at the weekend – and the odds of an away win will be pretty high – there will be a few sore heads around Merseyside on Monday morning.
Equally, Arsenal’s supporters are also hoping to have the mother of all hangovers on June 1, the day after the Champions League final.
For that to happen, or even for Arsenal to overcome PSG in the semi-finals and reach the final in Munich, they must hope Saliba does not have any moments like he did here.
Arsenal also need to sort out their striker situation and maybe Trossard, who has certainly suffered an incosnsistnt season, could end up being the answer.
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He certainly boosted his chances of starting the first leg clash against PSG here at the Emirates on Tuesday.,
Whether Trossard will strike fear into the hearts of the PSG players remains to be seen but at least he is a serious option and is playing with a bit of confidence.
While Mikel Merino had looked certain to continue out of position as a central striker, he now looks certain to return to his favoured midfield spot due to Thomas Partey’s suspension for the first leg.
Partey started last night with Merino missing due to an injury, although he was one of four changes from the win at Portman Road.
While Palace manager Oliver Glasner claimed he would make “two or three changes” ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final with Aston Villa, Palace brought in four fresh players from the 0-0 draw with Bournemouth
Unfortunately for Glasner, none of his players defended Martin Odegaard’s early free-kick properly and Kiwior was left completely free to stick a header past Dean Henderson,
Yet Arteta’s team, having scored from a set-piece, were then caught out by one direct from the Palace training ground.
Arsenal were expecting Adam Wharton to send his corner into the area but instead, the midfielder picked out Eze who was lurking on the edge of the box. He got a good connection with his volley and it took one mighty bounce and went in via the post.
Arsenal’s goalscorer, Kiwior, delivered a brilliant piece of defending to block a close-range goal-bound shot from Eddie Nketiah, who would have loved to score against the club where he had spent nine years before leaving for £25million last summer.
Nketiah will probably look at the Arsenal striker crisis with some frustration but equally, he has not exactly been a sensation at Selhurst Park.
Had he been playing for Arsenal, Nketiah would not have been capable of delivering the type of skill which Trossard delivered for the second.
He produced a brilliant first touch to control a pass from Jurrien Timber which was travelling at speed. Trossard room for himself and then saw his shot take a slight deflection off Maxene Lacroix but it was still a fine goal.
Arsenal fans were relieved to see Bukayo Saka on the substitute’s bench after he hobbled out of Portman Road on Sunday after suffering a nasty challenge from Leif Davis.
And there was a huge roar from the Arsenal fans when Saka was introduced before the hour for Raheem Sterling who was absolutely dreadful.
Arsenal midfielder Martinelli thought he had made it 3-1 but a VAR check confirmed that the ball had gone out of play as Timber crossed.
Arsenal were coasting but a little too much and Saliba was punished for a terrible pass towards Odegaard which was cut out by Mateta. Seeing David Raya was off his line, he chipped the ball over the keeper and into the net.
Palace seemed on a mission to deliver the win to give Liverpool their title but instead, the party will be at Anfield in a few days.
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