Arsenal kicked off their new Premier League chapter as champions with a controlled 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, in a mood that felt more like celebration than a traditional league encounter.
With both teams making significant alterations, the tone of the game was shaped by busy schedules and sharper priorities on the horizon. Palace arrived having already planned for a midweek Conference League final, while Arsenal were looking ahead to Saturday’s Champions League showpiece. Because the Gunners had clinched the title earlier in the week, the contest carried a pre-season atmosphere, with the heat and scheduled drinks breaks adding to the relaxed feel.
What happened
- Gabriel Jesus broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute, converting after he had earlier spurned two opportunities. He finished calmly to give Arsenal the advantage just before the interval.
- Noni Madueke extended Arsenal’s lead shortly after half-time, scoring from a familiar Arsenal set-piece pattern to put the result firmly in their hands.
- Arsenal went on to secure their 26th league win of the season.
- Crystal Palace pulled one back late through a header from Jean-Philippe Mateta, who found the net in the 89th minute after receiving Yeremy Pino’s cross.
- In stoppage time, Pino thought he had earned an equaliser, but the goal was ruled out because Evann Guessand, who was in an offside position, was judged to have interfered with the build-up.
Arsenal’s team selection reflected the occasion and the workload ahead. Mikel Arteta made nine changes compared with the side that played Burnley, and included a starting debut for 16-year-old Max Dowman. Dowman became the youngest player to start a Premier League match, at 16 years and 144 days.
The match also had a special edge for Palace as Eberechi Eze returned to Selhurst Park for the first time since his £67 million transfer away from the club. The England international was greeted warmly by supporters, with many referencing his FA Cup final heroics from the previous season.
Despite Arsenal’s dominance, there was a brief worry when Madueke limped off with what appeared to be a hamstring problem. He did not look to be in serious distress, and he is expected to be assessed ahead of the next round of fixtures.
For Arsenal’s travelling fans, the final score mattered less than what followed the whistle—focused on the long-awaited Premier League trophy presentation after their title triumph.
