Arsenal 2-2 Crystal Palace: Liverpool edge closer to Premier League title as Gunners held in London derby | OneFootball

Gunners drop more points at home but delay Liverpool celebrations

Arsenal have been held by Crystal Palace

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Arsenal have delayed Liverpool’s Premier League title celebrations after drawing at home with Crystal Palace.

Mikel Arteta opted to make four changes from the side that started the 4-0 win over Ipswich at the weekend. Myles Lewis-Skelly, Jurrien Timber and Thomas Partey all earned recalls, whilst there was a rare chance for Raheem Sterling.

Bukayo Saka dropped down to the bench despite an injury scare at Portman Road, but Ben White and Mikel Merino were left out of the matchday squad altogether which is a concern for the Gunners ahead of their Champions League semi-final first leg showdown with Paris Saint-Germain next Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Palace boss Oliver Glasner clearly had one eye on Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa as his team selection also included four changes with top-scorer Jean-Philippe Mateta named among the substitutes.

Arsenal got off to the perfect start when Kiwior powered home Martin Odgeaard’s free-kick as early as the third minute.

Though, Palace’s equaliser - also from a set-piece - was special. Adam Wharton picked out Eberechi Eze on the edge of the box from a corner and the midfielder connected with a sweet volley and the ball bounced into the back of the net after hitting the post.

The visitors went close to taking the lead through ex-Gunners striker Eddie Nketiah before Trossard did restore the home side’s advantage just before the break with a deflected effort that left Dean Henderson with no chance.

For most of the second half, it was a relative low-key affair with David Raya the more busier of the two keepers whilst Gabriel Martinelli had a goal disallowed as the ball had gone out of play prior to him turning it home.

Saka, on a substitute, did draw a brilliant save from Henderson before Jean-Philippe Mateta made an immediate impact after being summoned from the bench, netting an exquisite goal after capitalising on a sloppy mistake by William Saliba.

Palace pushed for the goal that would have crowned Liverpool champions but ultimately the Premier League leaders will have to get the job done themselves when they host Tottenham on Sunday.