Crystal Palace 1-5 Arsenal PLAYER RATINGS: Whose finish oozed class? Which reliable star had a rare off game? Who immediately added stability for the Gunners?
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Gabriel Jesus scored twice as Arsenal earned a second victory over Crystal Palace in a week, with the 5-1 win moving the Gunners three points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool. Jesus had ended his goal drought by scoring a hat-trick against the Eagles in the Carabao Cup in midweek and built on the display at Selhurst Park.
![[Ismaila Sarr, right, had cancelled out Jesus' early opener but the Gunners quickly hit back]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/21/19/93387607-14217135-image-a-3_1734807856581.jpg)
The Brazilian forward struck twice in the first half - either side of an equaliser by Ismaila Sarr - to have a remarkable run of five goals in 50 minutes against Crystal Palace this week. Kai Havertz extended Arsenal's lead with a close range finish before half-time, before Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice struck in the second half to complete a dominant victory.
![[Gabriel Martinelli, left, and Declan Rice, right, were on target for Arsenal in the second half]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/21/19/93387805-14217135-image-a-6_1734808686146.jpg)
Mail Sport's Issan Khan was at Selhurst Park and delivers his verdict on the players on show. Gabriel Jesus scored twice as Arsenal earned a 5-1 victory away against Crystal Palace. Ismaila Sarr, right, had cancelled out Jesus' early opener but the Gunners quickly hit back.
![[Jurrien Timber was excellent on the ball for Arsenal and put in several impressive challenges]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/21/19/93388265-14217135-image-a-9_1734809952160.jpg)
Gabriel Martinelli, left, and Declan Rice, right, were on target for Arsenal in the second half. DAVID RAYA: 7. Some jittery moments in net but made crucial saves. Denied Jean-Phillipe Mateta from close range one-on-one after 21 minutes. Also a good save off an Ismaila Sarr header.
![[William Saliba, right, had a rare off game and an errant pass could have resulted in a goal]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/21/19/93388179-14217135-image-a-7_1734809780381.jpg)
JURRIEN TIMBER: 7. Top play on the ball and some good tackles, too. Booked for time-wasting at a throw-in. WILLIAM SALIBA: 5.5. An off game for the usually reliable Frenchman. His errant pass to allow Mateta in should have resulted in conceding a goal. GABRIEL: 6.5.
![[Bukayo Saka was forced off in the first half, which will be a major concern for Arsenal]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/21/19/93388241-14217135-image-a-8_1734809855475.jpg)
