Gabriels bring tidings of joy for Arsenal in thrashing of sorry Crystal Palace
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This was almost the perfect way for Mikel Arteta to celebrate five years as Arsenal manager. Another two goals for Gabriel Jesus – his first in the Premier League since January – followed up his match-winning performance against the same opponents a few days ago as Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and the substitute Declan Rice with his first league goal of the season rounded off another victory over Crystal Palace.
![[Gabriel Martinelli is congratulated by Declan Rice after scoring Arsenal’s fourth against Crystal Palace]](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/da544fe6736787948d9038a0eeda66a5f874fbae/0_21_4488_2693/master/4488.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)
Only the sight of Bukayo Saka limping off during the first half with a suspected hamstring injury could dampen the enthusiasm of the travelling supporters, whose side are now only three points behind the leaders, Liverpool – albeit having played two games more. But with Manchester City six points behind Arsenal and almost a speck of dust in their rearview mirror, Arteta will know they have never had a better opportunity to go all the way after clinically dispatching Oliver Glasner’s side.
Arteta said Jesus “deserves to play” after his hat-trick heroics in the Carabao Cup during the week and it took only six minutes for him to repay his manager’s faith. While Arteta made seven changes as Havertz shifted to a midfield role, Glasner decided to make alterations to his defence after they were outclassed in the second half of Wednesday’s quarter-final defeat, with Trevoh Chalobah dropped in favour of Chris Richards – the first time in 12 matches that Palace have changed their back three. But the home defence was all over the place when Saka swung over a cross from the right and Tyrick Mitchell could not prevent Jesus slamming home from close range when the ball fell kindly at his feet.
