Jakub Kiwior stuns, David Raya stinks – Arsenal ratings in draw v Crystal Palace
David Raya looked completely lost as Arsenal effectively gift-wrapped the Premier League title for Liverpool by drawing 2-2 with Crystal Palace.
Just three minutes into the action, Jakub Kiwior found himself completely unmarked and used the opportunity to head home a delightful header past Dean Henderson.
Palace responded when Arsenal target Eberechi Eze slammed home a volley from the edge of the box, with Tottenham target Adam Wharton picking out the England international with his set-piece.
The Gunners restored their lead when Leandro Trossard scored a deflected goal just before half-time, thanks to an incisive pass from Jurrien Timber.
However, a late mistake from William Saliba allowed Jean-Philippe Mateta to chip a delightful effort over Raya, giving Palace a point to take back to South London, and Mikel Arteta plenty to think about ahead of the Champions League clash with PSG.
Mikel Arteta left to rue defensive mistakes
David Raya – 2
Absolute chaos. The Spaniard flapped at every cross sent his way, looked half asleep when Eze fired home the equaliser and could not connect a long pass for love nor money, worrying performance ahead of a monumental task against PSG.
Jurrien Timber – 8
Mr reliable. The Dutchman’s assist was delightful, and he was desperately unfortunate not to have another before VAR intervened. A great defensive display to cap off another resounding performance at right-back.
William Saliba mistake gifts Crystal Palace equaliser
William Saliba – 5
Saliba remains a Real Madrid target, but his error will have those in the Spanish capital reviewing their options. His calming presence is allowing Kiwior to find his feet, but the Frenchman was caught out by Mateta, allowing the substitute to score a late equaliser.
Jakub Kiwior – 9 – Man of the Match
Gabriel who? The Polish centre-back has been in the shadow of Arsenal’s centre-back duo for several years now, but in the absence of the Brazilian, he is really blossoming. His stunning header from an Odegaard cross was richly deserved, given how well he has played in recent games.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (off for Tierney 85′) – 7
Another solid performance from the England international, allowed nothing to go past him, but his end product in the final third was lacking.
Martin Odegaard (off for Nwaneri 85′) – 8
Captain Fantastic. The Norwegian midfielder has been out of form for the Gunners recently, but his sumptuous delivery for Kiwior’s opener reminded everyone why he is one of the Premier League’s best creators.
Thomas Partey – 6
Neat and tidy with his passing, as expected, whilst also winning most of his midfield duels. Will be a big miss against PSG, given his suspension for the first leg.
Declan Rice – 5
Uncharacteristically poor with the ball and failed to have much impact going forward. Arsenal fans will be hoping he is just saving himself for the Champions League on Tuesday.
Raheem Sterling absent for Arsenal
Raheem Sterling (off for Saka 60′) – 4
Sterling’s Arsenal career is coming to an end, but the England international will be hoping to use the Gunners’ final Premier League games as an audition for potential suitors. Whilst he looked keen to make something happen, the ex-Man City man looked rusty and off the pace and was removed on the hour mark for Bukayo Saka..
Leandro Trossard – 8
Another one to add to the tally. Believe it or not the Belgian is now Arsenal’s second-highest Premier League goal-scorer this season with his strike against Palace putting him on eight, just one behind Kai Havertz.
Gabriel Martinelli – 5
Quiet night. The Brazilian has been saving his best performances for the biggest stages recently, so it was no great surprise to see him have little impact against the Eagles.
Substitutes
Bukayo Saka (on for Sterling 60′) – 5
The England international was brought on to add a spark of life to the match, but struggled to have an impact off the bench.
Ethan Nwaneri (on for Odegaard 85′) – 5
In spite of the added time of eight minutes, the youngster found it difficult to get involved in the action, only touching the ball eight times.
Kieran Tierney (on for Lewis-Skelly 85′) – 6
Showed some flashes of quality off the bench, looked tidy in possession.