Three players named Gabriel contributed to all five goals, helping Arsenal beat Crystal Palace 5-0 in round 21 of the Premier League.
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All five of Arsenal's goals were scored by Brazilian Gabriels: Magalhaes, Gabriel Jesus and Martinelli. Centre-back Magalhaes opened the scoring, then forced an own goal from goalkeeper Dean Henderson. Striker Gabriel Jesus set up Leandro Trossard for the third, while Martinelli scored twice in second-half stoppage time.
Center-back Gabriel Magalhaes celebrates scoring the opening goal for Arsenal against Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium, London, round 21 of the Premier League on January 20, 2024. Photo: Guardian
Arsenal successfully vented their anger on Crystal Palace, while Roy Hodgson's team sank deeper into the mud. In the 90th minute, the away fans unfurled banners reading "Wasted potential on and off the pitch. Weak decisions, dragging us backwards", and "No shared vision. No concrete plan". In the stands, away team owner Steve Parish looked cold, while coach Hodgson bowed his head in disappointment.
Crystal Palace were unlucky that Arsenal had a two-week break to shake off their four-game winless streak, which helped them start the game with gusto. In the 11th minute, 1.88m midfielder Declan Rice took a left corner kick for Magalhaes to head in from the second post to the near post to open the scoring. US international Chris Richards was pinned down, so he couldn't compete for the ball in the air with the Arsenal centre-back.
Since his Premier League debut in 2020, Magalhaes has scored 11 goals, more than any other centre-back in his generation. He has scored two or more goals every season, and more than half of the 27-year-old's goals have been Arsenal's first in the game.
Magalhaes jumped highest and headed the opening goal. Photo: Guardian
Magalhaes continued to be a threat from set-pieces, scoring his second goal, also from a corner. This time Saka crossed from the right, also towards the second post, for Magalhaes to head past goalkeeper Dean Henderson into the net. The goal was initially awarded to the Brazilian centre-back, but was later ruled an own goal by Henderson, as Magalhaes' shot had missed the target if it had not touched Henderson.
Crystal Palace players, especially Henderson, protested to the referee because he thought he was obstructed by defender Ben White. However, VAR did not intervene because they considered the goal valid.
Arsenal's third goal also came from a corner, but it was from the visitors. Goalkeeper David Raya caught the ball, threw it up to Gabriel Jesus who ran down the right wing to counterattack, before crossing low for Leandro Trossard. The Belgian turned the ball onto his right foot, beat defender Nathan Clyne, and fired into the near corner, giving Henderson no chance to block.
Trossard left the pitch about 10 minutes later, to a standing ovation from the Emirates crowd. They found the joy of victory after three consecutive defeats for Arsenal. But it did not stop there, Gabriel Martinelli replaced Trossard, scoring two more goals in the extra minute to seal a 5-0 victory for Arsenal. Mikel Arteta's team also reclaimed third place from Aston Villa, and are just two points behind Liverpool at the top of the table, although Jurgen Klopp's team have played a game less.
Hoang An
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