Arsenal player ratings vs Crystal Palace: Gabriel Jesus back to his best but William Saliba struggles | OneFootball

Five-star Gunners return to winning ways in the Premier League

Arsenal closed the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool to three points by beating Crystal Palace.

In a frantic first-half, Gabriel Jesus scored twice and Kai Havertz was also on the scoresheet, with Ismaila Sarr finding the net for Palace.

Arsenal extended their lead after the break thanks to Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice made it 5-1 with a stunning goal late on.

The Gunners are now three points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, although Arne Slot’s side do have two games in hand.

Simon Collings was at Selhurst Park to see Arsenal in action...

David Raya 8

Almost caught out early on trying to play out from the back. Redeemed himself after that with several great saves, two from Sarr and a vital one from Jean-Phillipe Mateta when Arsenal were 2-1 up.

Jurrien Timber 6

Back at right-back, which is where he looks most comfortable. Did not get forward as much as usual, but was solid defensively.

William Saliba 5

A rare off-night for the Frenchman, who was sloppy. Backed off Sarr for his goal and Mateta caused him problems, too.

Gabriel 7

Grabbed an assist for Jesus’ first goal and then hit the crossbar with a header. Played a stunning pass to help create the fourth goal.

Myles Lewis-Skelly 7

Given a second Premier League start in a row with Riccardo Calafiori only fit enough for the bench. Another promising performance and the 18-year-old looks a genuine option at left-back now.

Martin Odegaard 6

Had some bright moments, especially when the game became quite open, but not as influential as he can be.

Thomas Partey 5

Restored to the middle of the park, which is where he has played his best football this season. Struggled tonight, however, and did not give the defence enough protection until Rice came on.

Kai Havertz 7

Moved into midfield so that Jesus could keep his place as Arsenal’s No9. On the scoresheet by tapping home Jesus’ header, which hit the post.

Kai Havertz scored Arsenal’s third goal against Crystal Palace.

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Bukayo Saka 6

Off after just over 20 minutes with a hamstring injury. A disappointing end to what was his 250th appearance for Arsenal.

Gabriel Jesus 9 | Star player

Continued his fine form this week with two goals inside the opening 14 minutes. Denied a hat-trick when his header hit the post and an easy chance was saved by Dean Henderson. Looks reborn and full of confidence.

Gabriel Martinelli 8

Switched to the right flank after Saka went off and had a hand in Arsenal’s third goal, as his cross found Jesus. Scored Arsenal’s fourth with a tap-in.

Substitutions

Leandro Trossard (Saka 24’) 7

Came on to play out on the left. Helped create the fourth goal with a cross that found Jesus.

Declan Rice (Havertz 58’) 8

A brilliant performance off the bench. Brought control to Arsenal’s midfield, setup their fourth goal before scoring a stunning fifth for the Gunners.

Riccardo Calafiori (Lewis-Skelly 58’) 7

Made his first appearance this month after being out with a groin issue. Caught the eye with a few classic rampaging runs forward and assisted Rice’s goal.

Ethan Nwaneri (Jesus 86’) N/A

Subs not used: Neto, Tierney, Kiwior, Jorginho