In a result that sent shockwaves through the Premier League title race, Crystal Palace produced a magnificent defensive masterclass to stun Arsenal 2-1 at a shell-shocked Emirates Stadium.
Palace Punish Sloppy Gunners
The visitors took a shock lead against the run of play when Joachim Andersen rose highest to power home a header from a set-piece, exposing familiar defensive frailties in the Arsenal backline. The Gunners, who dominated possession throughout, struggled to break down Palace's organised defensive block.
Mikel Arteta's side thought they'd salvaged a point when Leandro Trossard fired home an equaliser in the second half, sending the home crowd into raptures. But the celebration proved premature as Palace hit back almost immediately through a devastating counter-attack.
Late Heartbreak for Title Hopefuls
Just minutes after Trossard's leveller, Jean-Philippe Mateta capitalised on hesitant Arsenal defending to slot home what proved to be the winner, sending the travelling Palace support into delirium.
Despite throwing everything forward in a frantic final twenty minutes, including the introduction of both Gabriel Jesus and Emile Smith Rowe, Arsenal couldn't find a way past a heroic Dean Henderson in the Palace goal. The England goalkeeper produced several crucial saves to preserve his side's lead.
Title Dreams in Tatters
This defeat marks Arsenal's second consecutive league loss, following their recent setback against rivals Chelsea. The result leaves serious questions about their mental fortitude and title credentials, with the gap to league leaders potentially widening depending on other results.
For Crystal Palace, this represents a statement victory that should all but guarantee their Premier League status for another season, while dealing a potentially fatal blow to their London rivals' championship aspirations.
