Arsenal Slip Again as Mateta Punishes Error to Earn Palace 2-2 Draw

Arsenal’s pursuit of the Premier League title may have just slipped out of reach.

In a tense north-south London derby at the Emirates, the Gunners twice went ahead but ultimately surrendered a 2-1 half-time lead to draw 2-2 with Crystal Palace. It’s a result that leaves them 13 points behind Liverpool with just five games to go and Jürgen Klopp’s side can now clinch the title by avoiding defeat against Tottenham.

Mikel Arteta’s side began brightly, taking the lead in just the third minute when Jakub Kiwior powered home a bullet header from Martin Ødegaard’s pinpoint free-kick. However, Palace responded with purpose. Eberechi Eze, the Eagles’ talisman, fired in a brilliant volley from a well-weighted Adam Wharton corner to level the score on 27 minutes.

Arsenal regained the lead before the break thanks to a slick move that saw Jurrien Timber pick out Leandro Trossard, who weaved between defenders before firing home via a deflection. At 2-1, it looked like Arsenal might wrestle back control.

Martinelli thought he had a third after finishing from a Timber cutback, but VAR ruled that the ball had gone out of play. That was as close as Arsenal got to sealing the win.

Palace, meanwhile, grew stronger. Daniel Munoz and Ismaila Sarr each had chances saved, and David Raya was called upon multiple times to keep the hosts in front. But it all unraveled in the 83rd minute, when William Saliba’s errant pass was seized upon by Jean-Philippe Mateta. The Palace striker took a touch, spotted Raya off his line, and executed a glorious lob from 25 yards to stun the Emirates and secure a point for the visitors.

The Gunners threw everything forward in stoppage time, with Martinelli and Trossard both missing late chances. But the damage was done. The draw leaves Palace safely mid-table in 12th, while Arsenal’s Premier League aspirations now depend on miracles.

Key Moments:

⚽ 3’ – Kiwior heads Arsenal into an early lead from an Ødegaard free-kick.

⚽ 27’ – Eze equalizes for Palace with a perfectly struck volley.

⚽ 42’ – Trossard restores Arsenal’s lead with a deflected finish after a Timber assist.

❌ 72’ – Martinelli’s goal disallowed after the ball had left play in the buildup.

⚽ 83’ – Mateta capitalizes on a Saliba error to lob Raya and make it 2-2.

What’s Next:
Arsenal must regroup quickly with five matches remaining—but unless Liverpool collapse, the title may be gone. Palace continue their steady season under Oliver Glasner, with their sights perhaps still on a late push toward the European places.

Final Score:
Arsenal 2–2 Crystal Palace

Scorers:

Kiwior (3’)

Eze (27’)

Trossard (42’)

Mateta (83’)