Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli stole the spotlight with a late brace, securing a resounding 5-0 triumph over Crystal Palace and escalating the scrutiny on manager Roy Hodgson.
The Gunners took the lead early as Gabriel capitalized on Chris Richards’ shoulders, heading in Declan Rice’s corner.
Palace faced additional peril when a deflection off Jefferson Lerma narrowly missed an own goal.
Despite moments of relief, Palace struggled to threaten Arsenal’s goal until the half-hour mark when Eberechi Eze’s free-kick met a wall of red shirts.
The pressure intensified on Palace as Arsenal doubled their lead in the 37th minute. Gabriel’s headed effort from Bukayo Saka’s corner was initially credited to him but changed to an own goal by Henderson after a VAR review.
Lerma’s late first-half attempt was saved, and Trossard missed a chance.
In the second half, Arsenal continued to dominate, denied a possible penalty after VAR consultation.
A pinpoint pass from Gabriel Jesus set up Trossard’s weaving run, extending Arsenal’s lead to three goals.
Despite Henderson’s saves, Palace couldn’t find a breakthrough.
Arsenal’s chances persisted, and Martinelli’s late introduction proved decisive. Palace fans voiced discontent with a banner reading “wasted potential on and off the pitch, weak decisions taking us backwards.”
Martinelli then sealed the emphatic win with two near-identical goals, leaving Arsenal supporters jubilant and Palace pondering their struggles on and off the pitch.
