Late goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Nicolas Pépé helped Arsenal to a 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Wednesday.
It was Roy Hodgson’s final home game in charge of Crystal Palace as 6,500 fans returned to Selhurst Park, only for Arsenal to spoil the farewell party.
Arteta made two changes from the side that beat Chelsea, bringing in Chambers and Pépé for Marí and Ødegaard.
Pépé opened the scoring after 35 minutes following an incisive Arsenal move. Saka played the ball to Tierney, continuing his run to receive the return ball from the fullback. Saka backheeled it back to Tierney again who delivered an excellent cross for Pépé to volley home on his weak foot.
Pépé 1-0
Palace equalised just after the hour mark through a Benteke header. Townsend delivered a dangerous free kick as Benteke bullied his way into the Arsenal box, leaving Elneny and Gabriel on the floor as he headed the ball beyond Leno to make it 1-1.
Benteke 1-1
It took until added time for Arsenal to restore the advantage. Ødegaard and Pépé exchanged passes on the edge of the box before the Norwegian swung the ball in towards the back pose. Martinelli got in front of his man as the ball flicked up off his thigh over the keeper, setting the Brazilian youngster up for an easy finish.
Martinelli 2-1
Pépé added an Arsenal third in the 95th minute to seal the game. The ball fell to Pépé on the right wing from a throw in, allowing the Ivorian to drive into the penalty area, shimmying past his defender and placing the ball into the far corner to make it 3-1.
Pépé 3-1
(Video Credit: Arsenal)
It was a game which showed a semblance of what we may see from Arsenal next season with Arteta’s team selection seemingly favouring those expected to stay at the club.
Calum Chambers returned at right back to put in another steady display, making his case to get a new contract, with his existing deal coming to an end in 2022. Chambers has proved an unlikely, yet solid option at right back during the second half of the season and whether Arsenal sign a new right back or not, he looks set to play a role next season.
Granit Xhaka started from the bench amid reports he would like to leave the club this summer. Xhaka has recently been struggling with a groin injury which is likely the reason for his absence but once again with Elneny partnering Partey, we saw that Xhaka is not as essential to the midfield as he had seemed.
Saka, Smith Rowe and Pépé lined up behind Aubameyang, and that is the attacking 4 that looks like it will be Arteta’s go to next season as it stands. Saka and Smith Rowe bring incredible energy and technical ability, whilst Pépé and Aubameyang provide goal threat to help create a balanced and free flowing front 4.
Despite a largely dire season, Arteta seems to have learnt a lot about his squad, and with the exits and January, and the pending departures this summer, Arsenal are set to dramatically reduce their wage bill whilst streamlining their squad.
And at the end of it all, Arsenal remain in contention to qualify for the Europa league and finish above Tottenham. I do not think we should hold our breath, but it is remarkable that it remains a possibility.
Arsenal host Brighton for the final Premier League game of the season on Sunday at 4pm, welcoming back 10,000 fans to the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners go into the game having won their last 4 in a row whilst Brighton are fresh off a 3-2 victory over champions Manchester City.
Arsenal sit just 1 point behind Tottenham in 7th and Everton in 8th heading into the final day and whilst qualifying for the Europa League is unlikely, Arsenal should see off Brighton to give themselves a chance.
Prediction:
Arsenal 2 – 0 Brighton
Adam Perry – 21/05/2021