December 22, 2024

  Arsenal dominated Crystal Palace with a resounding 5-1 victory, featuring a brace from Gabriel Jesus and goals from Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, and Declan Rice. The Gunners solidified their position in third place in the Premier League, closing in on Chelsea and Liverpool. The emphatic win at Selhurst Park ensured Arsenal’s hold on third place for this matchday. While they remain close to Chelsea (second place) and Liverpool (first place), the latter has a game in hand, which could widen the gap. Strong Start for the Visitors Arsenal wasted no time taking control, with the opening goal coming just six minutes into the game. Bukayo Saka delivered a cross that sailed through the box to the far post, where Gabriel Jesus, unmarked, slotted it home from close range to make it 1-0 in South London. Crystal Palace Responds Quickly The hosts didn’t wait long to respond. By the 11th minute, Crystal Palace capitalized on a high press. A quick counterattack saw them move the ball from their half to Arsenal’s with just three passes. Ismaïla Sarr received the ball in the final third, drove into the box, and fired a low, angled shot past David Raya to level the score at 1-1. Arsenal’s Scoring Spree Begins The home fans’ celebrations were short-lived. Just four minutes after the equalizer, Arsenal struck again. A corner kick to the far post resulted in a loose ball. Thomas Partey laid it back, and Gabriel Jesus blasted a powerful shot into the top corner at the near post, completing his brace and restoring Arsenal’s lead. In the 38th minute, Arsenal extended their advantage to 3-1. Gabriel Martinelli whipped in a cross that Jesus headed onto the right post. The rebound fell perfectly for Kai Havertz, who tapped it into the net unchallenged. Second-Half Dominance Crystal Palace tried to mount a comeback in the second half, but Arsenal’s goalkeeper, David Raya, made two crucial saves to preserve their lead. In the 60th minute, Arsenal struck again. After a save on Gabriel Jesus by the Palace goalkeeper, the ball fell to Declan Rice. The midfielder’s shot was deflected by Gabriel Martinelli, completely changing the ball’s trajectory and making it 4-1. Rice Seals the Win with a Stunner The final blow came in the 85th minute. Declan Rice received a pass from Riccardo Calafiori on the left edge of the box. With a sharp turn, Rice controlled the ball, lined up his shot, and unleashed a perfectly placed strike into the far corner. The goal capped Arsenal’s performance and secured the 5-1 triumph. Arsenal ends the day in third place in the Premier League, with their eyes firmly set on the top two spots.

Atlético Madrid claimed a 2-1 victory over Barcelona at Montjuic, with goals from Rodrigo de Paul and Alexander Sørloth. The win puts Atlético atop the LaLiga standings with 41 points, leaving Barça at 38 and at risk of dropping to third place. LaLiga’s New Leader Atlético Madrid took the top spot in LaLiga after their win at the Olympic Stadium in Montjuic against Barcelona. With the 2-1 result, Los Colchoneros overtook the Catalans on the table, establishing a three-point gap between the two sides. Barcelona Dominated Early On The match started strongly for the hosts, with Barcelona creating dangerous opportunities throughout the first half. The breakthrough came in the 30th minute when Pedri delivered a moment of brilliance. The midfielder began a run from the midfield line, weaving past Atlético’s players. Gavi, attempting a turn, unintentionally passed the ball back to Pedri, who continued his run into the box. Upon receiving the ball, Pedri struck a slightly deflected shot that avoided Jan Oblak and found the back of the net. Atlético’s Response in the Second Half Though Barcelona maintained some attacking momentum in the second half, Atlético found the equalizer in the 60th minute. A swift counterattack led to a cross from Julián Álvarez. Marc Casadó attempted to clear but directed the ball centrally, where Rodrigo de Paul capitalized with a powerful, precise shot from outside the box. The ball nestled perfectly in the bottom left corner, leaving Ter Stegen no chance. Sørloth’s Last-Minute Heroics Despite continued efforts from Barcelona, Jan Oblak stood firm, denying the hosts on multiple occasions. At 90+6’, Atlético made their final push. Nahuel Molina sent in a low cross that slipped between two Barça defenders, landing at the feet of Alexander Sørloth. The Norwegian forward struck with authority, sending the ball into the net and securing a dramatic 2-1 victory. With this result, Atlético Madrid now leads LaLiga with 41 points, leaving Barcelona in second place with 38. Barcelona’s position is under threat, as Real Madrid could surpass them with a win against Sevilla.