News Focus
- Arsenal mark their coronation as champions with a 2-1 triumph at Selhurst Park
- Gabriel Jesus and Noni Madueke score for the Gunners in a low-intensity fixture
- Max Dowman sets a new record as the youngest ever Premier League starter at 16 years old
- Both clubs rotate heavily ahead of their respective European finals next week
- The victory seals Arsenal’s 26th league win of a dominant campaign
Arsenal began their reign as English champions by securing a 2-1 victory against Crystal Palace amid festive scenes at Selhurst Park on Sunday. The contest served as a coronation party for the Gunners, who had already wrapped up their first domestic championship in 22 years prior to kick-off.
The two clubs fielded much-changed starting elevens, with the Eagles preparing for Wednesday’s Conference League decider against Rayo Vallecano and the Gunners focusing on Saturday’s Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain. Mikel Arteta made nine alterations from the side that faced Burnley, while Oliver Glasner selected a experimental Palace outfit for his final league match in charge.
The encounter lacked intensity due to extreme heat and scheduled hydration breaks, creating an atmosphere similar to a pre-season friendly. Gabriel Jesus broke the deadlock shortly before half-time, converting after earlier misses, while Noni Madueke doubled the advantage early in the second period from a well-worked corner routine.
Crystal Palace substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta reduced the deficit with a near-post finish from Yeremy Pino’s cross in the 89th minute. Pino believed he had snatched a draw when firing home during stoppage time, but the goal was disallowed after Evann Guessand was judged offside and interfering with play.
Sixteen-year-old Max Dowman wrote his name into the record books by becoming the youngest player to start a Premier League match at 16 years and 144 days. Meanwhile, former Palace favourite Eberechi Eze received a hero’s welcome on his return to south London following his £67 million departure, having scored the FA Cup final winner for the Eagles last season.
Arteta insisted his players must now “wear the shirt in a different way” as champions, with the Spaniard eyeing a sustained period of dominance after three consecutive second-place finishes. The Gunners finished seven points clear of Manchester City, who lost at home to Aston Villa in Pep Guardiola’s final match.
For Palace, attention now turns to Leipzig and the Conference League final. Glasner departs having already delivered the FA Cup, though midfielder Adam Wharton suffered an ankle injury that threatens his involvement in Wednesday’s showpiece.