Arsenal held by Crystal Palace as Liverpool edge closer to Premier League title.
Arsenal Stall Liverpool’s Title Celebrations with 2-2 Draw Against Crystal Palace
Arsenal delayed Liverpool’s Premier League title celebrations—if only briefly—after being held to a dramatic 2-2 draw by Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium.
Liverpool, eyeing a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title, had hoped Arsenal would slip up entirely on Wednesday, which would have sealed the championship. But while the Reds didn’t get the result they needed to start the party just yet, the title now looks all but inevitable.
Jean-Philippe Mateta’s late strike rescued a point for Palace, keeping Liverpool’s champagne on ice but only for a little longer. With a 12-point lead over second-placed Arsenal—who have just four games remaining and a goal difference inferior to Liverpool’s +44—the Reds could clinch the title as early as Sunday with a result against Tottenham at Anfield.
Arsenal had extended the title race by thrashing Ipswich 4-0 last weekend, but their third draw in four league outings has left them all but out of contention. Despite the draw, the focus in North London is quickly shifting to European matters, with Mikel Arteta’s side preparing for a Champions League semifinal clash against Paris Saint-Germain—their first since 2009.
Jakub Kiwior got the Gunners off to a flying start in just the third minute, heading home from a smart set-piece routine—Arsenal’s 16th such goal in the league this season. Palace responded through Eberechi Eze, who volleyed home a pinpoint delivery from Adam Wharton to level the match midway through the first half.
Leandro Trossard restored Arsenal’s advantage before halftime, neatly finishing from 12 yards after evading two defenders. However, the Gunners couldn’t hold on, and Mateta’s brilliant chip in the 83rd minute, following a sloppy error from William Saliba, sealed the draw.
Arteta resisted the temptation to rest his stars ahead of PSG, though Bukayo Saka was left on the bench after picking up a knock against Ipswich. He later came on in the second half, but it was Palace who pressed hardest late on.
Palace manager Oliver Glasner also had one eye on the weekend’s FA Cup semifinal against Aston Villa, resting both Mateta and Ismaila Sarr, but the visitors still managed to leave North London with a share of the spoils.
Liverpool now need just a single point—or for Arsenal to drop any more—to finally secure their first title since 2020, with the end now clearly in sight.
