In the first half, Gabriel played a pivotal role in giving Arsenal a comfortable two-goal lead against Crystal Palace at the Emirates. His opening goal came from a commanding header, and shortly after, another header led to an own goal by Palace’s goalkeeper, Dean Henderson.
Arsenal, coming off consecutive Premier League defeats to West Ham United and Fulham, entered this match with a sense of urgency. However, the dynamics shifted early on as they secured the lead against London rivals Crystal Palace.
The first goal unfolded as Gabriel outjumped Chris Richards to connect with Declan Rice’s well-delivered corner. The powerful header from Gabriel found the net after bouncing off the ground, eluding the grasp of Dean Henderson in the Palace goal.
Set-pieces continued to be a fruitful avenue for Arsenal, with Gabriel once again proving his aerial prowess. This time, his header resulted in an own goal by Henderson, further highlighting Arsenal’s dominance in exploiting set plays.
The Gunners maintained their aerial threat throughout the game, keeping Crystal Palace uneasy in dealing with corners. The second goal, an own goal forced by Gabriel, showcased Arsenal’s proficiency in utilizing set-piece opportunities.
Leandro Trossard added to Arsenal’s lead before the hour mark with a composed finish.
The third goal came on the heels of a counter-attack initiated from a Crystal Palace corner. Gabriel Jesus delivered a precise ball to Trossard, who ended his ten-game goalless streak with a clinical close-range finish.
Despite a missed opportunity earlier in the game, Trossard’s goal solidified Arsenal’s commanding position. The team’s adept use of set-pieces and effective counter-attacks showcased a different Arsenal compared to their recent struggles in the Premier League.
