Arsenal Grind Out Dull Victory Over Crystal Palace: Who Shone and Who Struggled?

Arsenal wrapped up a memorable season with a low-key victory in their final Premier League fixture, edging Crystal Palace 2–1 on Sunday at Selhurst Park.

The Gunners, who secured the league title on Tuesday for the first time in over two decades, arrived on Sunday relaxed, somewhat flat and perhaps still celebrating. Manager Mikel Arteta fielded a heavily rotated side with one eye firmly on the Champions League final next week against Paris Saint-Germain. Crystal Palace were equally disengaged and fielded a patched-up lineup, conserving energy ahead of their upcoming Conference League final on Wednesday.

Striker Gabriel Jesus's near-post finish in the 42nd minute broke the deadlock for the Gunners just before the interval. Gabriel Martinelli prodded the ball through to Jesus, who slipped past Palace's Jefferson Lerma into the penalty area, slotting it just beyond the reach of Eagles goalkeeper Dean Henderson.

Noni Madueke, the sole player showing consistent attacking intent throughout the game, finally doubled the advantage three minutes into the second half, giving Arsenal a 2–0 cushion with a side-footed volley from Martinelli's corner kick.

The remainder of the contest was largely uneventful until Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta produced a stunning header flick in the 89th minute for a consolation goal. The hosts came close to leveling two minutes later, before an offside decision ensured Arsenal took all three points back to north London.

One Thing We Can't Ignore

This fixture was a low priority for both clubs, and that was abundantly clear throughout the opening 88 minutes on Sunday. The subdued affair had supporters in the stands showing more intensity than the players on the pitch, until Palace grabbed a late goal — though even that carried little significance. Their stoppage-time equalizer would have been irrelevant regardless, had it not been flagged offside.

Arsenal had already wrapped up the Premier League title on Tuesday, so all focus has now shifted to the chance at a historic double. The Gunners' Champions League final against defending champions PSG looms on the horizon, the most anticipated match in European football scheduled for this Saturday in Budapest.

Crystal Palace likewise have their sights set on the coming days, chasing their first European trophy on Wednesday in the Europa Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano.

Both sides not only fielded heavily rotated squads, but appeared to be merely going through the motions, mimicking a football match rather than truly competing in one. Both teams were sluggish in tempo, lenient in their pressing and passive in the tackle, prioritizing fitness ahead of the week's bigger occasions. It's also possible that the gleaming league trophy displayed on the Selhurst Park touchline proved quite the distraction.

Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, David Raya, Declan Rice and Gabriel were among those left out of the starting eleven to preserve their fitness ahead of the Champions League final. The first three did not take part in Thursday's training session, each following individual programs, while Saliba and Raya weren't even included in the squad. Gabriel made a second-half cameo.

Arsenal Player Ratings vs. Crystal Palace (4-2-3-1)

*Ratings provided by FotMob*

GK: Kepa Arrizabalaga—7.6: Played no role in the Premier League triumph as Raya's understudy for 37 gameweeks, yet his assured presence in goal suggested he had no shortage of confidence.

RB: Martín Zubimendi—7.2: His adaptability was on show once again as he was deployed out of midfield and into the right back position.

CB: Cristhian Mosquera—7.1: Continued his preparation for the challenge ahead and a likely duel with PSG's formidable Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Did enough to manage the game's tempo and see out the result.

CB: Piero Hincapié—7.0: Was not afforded a rest, as protecting the legs of Saliba and Gabriel took precedence.

LB: Riccardo Calafiori—7.0: Played a measured game, keen to stay fit and avoid any further setbacks before Budapest.

CM: Christian Nørgaard—6.7: Focused on his defensive responsibilities and showed great composure in possession, while linking up effectively with Madueke in attack.

CM: Myles Lewis-Skelly—7.1: Operated very deep in the build-up phase, positioning himself between Mosquera and Hincapié and frequently dropping behind both of them.

RW: Noni Madueke—8.3: Clearly treated Sunday as a chance to make his case, with Saka watching from the bench. Produced the bulk of Arsenal's attacking threat and set the highest tempo of anyone on the pitch.

AM: Max Dowman—6.4: The youngster looked visibly anxious, losing possession in forward areas on several occasions.

LW: Gabriel Martinelli—7.9: Has endured a frustrating campaign, with just one goal in 29 league outings. When not fading from the game, he struggled to get onto his stronger right foot. Did produce a moment of quality with his late first-half assist to Jesus.

ST: Gabriel Jesus—8.4: Scored the decisive goal. Unlikely to feature in Budapest, this may well have been the Brazilian's final appearance in an Arsenal shirt. If so, it was a fitting send-off.

SUB: Kai Havertz (46' for Christian Nørgaard)—7.5: Set up Madueke's goal within minutes of coming on. Came close to adding one of his own in the 73rd minute, only to be denied by a fine save from Henderson.

SUB: Gabriel (46' for Riccardo Calafiori)—6.5: Was not required to overexert himself in this low-key affair.

SUB: Mikel Merino (61' for Max Dowman)—6.2: Largely untested.

SUB: Eberechi Eze (75' for Gabriel Jesus)—6.8: Was greeted with a warm ovation from the Crystal Palace faithful upon his introduction. His enduring connection with Selhurst Park remains undeniable.

SUB: Victor Gyökeres (83' for Noni Madueke)—N/A: Entered after Madueke picked up an apparent left leg injury. Madueke was able to leave the pitch under his own power alongside the trainer, though he walked with a slight limp and held his left hamstring.

What the Ratings Tell Us

The Numbers That Explain Arsenal's Win