In a pulsating 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal postponed Liverpool’s Premier League title celebrations but failed to halt the Reds’ inexorable charge toward glory. Jean-Philippe Mateta’s breathtaking 83rd-minute equalizer for Crystal Palace ensured Liverpool, sitting 12 points clear of second-placed Arsenal with five games remaining, are tantalizingly close to securing a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title, matching rivals Manchester United.
The Gunners took an early lead in the third minute through Jakub Kiwior, whose powerful header from Martin Odegaard’s pinpoint free-kick showcased Arsenal’s set-piece prowess, marking their league-leading 16th dead-ball goal this season. However, Palace responded in the 27th minute when Adam Wharton’s precise pass found an unmarked Eberechi Eze, whose deft volley ricocheted off the post past a stranded David Raya. Arsenal regained the lead before halftime through Leandro Trossard, who skillfully evaded two defenders and clipped a deflected finish into the bottom corner.
With Mikel Arteta balancing priorities ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League quarterfinal first leg against Paris Saint-Germain, he rested star winger Bukayo Saka, nursing a knock from a recent foul, and omitted the injured Mikel Merino and Ben White. Palace, eyeing their FA Cup semifinal against Aston Villa, started without key forwards Mateta and Ismaila Sarr. Despite these absences, the Eagles showed resilience, with Mateta, introduced as a substitute, capitalizing on William Saliba’s late error to chip a sublime 30-yard finish over Raya, sparking wild celebrations among the away fans.
Liverpool, under Arne Slot, watched eagerly, knowing an Arsenal defeat would have sealed their first title since 2020. While the Reds’ champagne remains on ice, their superior goal difference (+44 to Arsenal’s +34) and a favorable run-in, starting with Tottenham at Anfield on Sunday, make their coronation a formality. Arsenal, now winless in three of their last four league games, shift focus to their first Champions League semifinal appearance since 2009, hoping to channel their frustrations into European success.