Arsenal Shatter English Football Record in 5-1 Crystal Palace Thrashing

Arsenal made history on Saturday with a commanding 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace in the Premier League, setting a new English top-flight record. The Gunners became the first team in English football history to score five or more goals in six separate away games across a single calendar year.

This emphatic win at Selhurst Park not only showcased Arsenal’s attacking prowess but also provided a much-needed boost after two consecutive Premier League draws. The victory capped off a remarkable year of away dominance for Mikel Arteta’s side.

1. Match Highlights

A Ruthless Arsenal Attack

• Gabriel Jesus: The Brazilian striker opened the scoring early with a clinical brace, continuing his red-hot form after a Carabao Cup hat-trick earlier in the week.
• Kai Havertz: The German added a third before halftime, capitalizing on Arsenal’s dominance.
• Second Half Goals: Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice rounded off the scoring for the visitors, ensuring a comfortable win.

Crystal Palace’s Response

• Ismaila Sarr: The Senegalese winger briefly leveled the score in the first half, but Palace struggled to cope with Arsenal’s relentless attack.

2. Arsenal’s Record-Breaking Feat

A Historic Achievement

According to Opta, Arsenal’s victory over Crystal Palace marked the sixth time in 2024 that they scored five or more goals in an away game across all competitions—a feat never before achieved in English top-flight history.

Other Five-Goal Victories in 2024

1. Sporting CP 1-5 Arsenal (Champions League)
2. West Ham 2-5 Arsenal (Premier League)
3. West Ham 0-6 Arsenal (Premier League)
4. Sheffield United 0-6 Arsenal (Premier League)
5. Burnley 0-5 Arsenal (Premier League)

3. Key Performances

Gabriel Jesus

• Rediscovered his scoring touch with two early goals.
• His movement and finishing were crucial in breaking down Palace’s defense.

Kai Havertz

• Delivered a composed finish for Arsenal’s third goal.
• Growing in confidence after a challenging start to the season.

Declan Rice

• Dominated the midfield and capped off his performance with a second-half goal.

Bukayo Saka’s Injury

• Saka was forced off in the first half with a hamstring injury, raising concerns ahead of Arsenal’s busy festive schedule.

4. Tactical Analysis

Arsenal’s Approach

• High Pressing: Arsenal’s aggressive pressing forced errors and created opportunities in the final third.
• Clinical Finishing: The Gunners converted chances efficiently, a key factor in their record-breaking year.

Crystal Palace’s Struggles

• Defensive Vulnerabilities: Palace failed to contain Arsenal’s dynamic front line.
• Lack of Offensive Threat: Aside from Sarr’s equalizer, the Eagles rarely troubled Arsenal’s defense.

5. Looking Ahead

Arsenal’s Upcoming Fixtures

• Next Match: Arsenal host Ipswich Town on December 27 at the Emirates Stadium.
• 2025 Opener: The Gunners travel to Brentford on New Year’s Day.

Crystal Palace’s Challenges

• Palace will need to regroup quickly as they aim to bounce back from consecutive defeats to Arsenal.

6. Conclusion

Arsenal’s record-breaking win over Crystal Palace highlights their incredible attacking firepower and dominance on the road in 2024. While the victory strengthens their position in the Premier League, the Gunners face concerns over Bukayo Saka’s fitness as they prepare for a demanding festive schedule.

FAQs

1. What record did Arsenal set against Crystal Palace?
   Arsenal became the first English top-flight team to score five or more goals in six separate away games in a single calendar year.
2. Who scored for Arsenal in the 5-1 win?
   Gabriel Jesus (2), Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, and Declan Rice.
3. What happened to Bukayo Saka?
   Saka sustained a hamstring injury in the first half and was substituted.
4. When is Arsenal’s next match?
   Arsenal face Ipswich Town at the Emirates Stadium on December 27.
5. How did Crystal Palace perform?
   Palace struggled defensively and managed only one goal through Ismaila Sarr.