On Friday, French, English (9 years at Arsenal!), Italian (Juventus, Inter), world and European champion football legend Patrick Vieira was sacked as head coach of Crystal Palace. Palacio last won on December 31, the team does not have a single victory in the new year. Therefore, Vieira’s position was precarious. Interestingly, the French stuntman was fired on St. Patrick’s Day.
Although Crystal is 12th with 27 points, let’s remember that there are 20 teams in the Premier League, but only three points separate Palace from the relegation zone. This is the density in the table.
Photo source: IMAGO
Well, Arsenal played the second consecutive game at home after losing on Thursday against the Emirates on penalties in the round of 16 of the Europa League against Sporting Lisbon. Everyone remembers the chic shot of the Portuguese Gonçalves from the center of the field to the neck of Ramsdale, who approached the penalty area. Sporting had no more chances to score – 1:1 in regular time and in extra time. But that was enough to get to the penalty shootout.
It is clear that Mikel Arteta, like the whole team and his fans, would not refuse to win the Europa League. But the title of champion in England is more important. Now Arsenal can fully focus on the Premier League.
The Gunners immediately seized the initiative, but the most dangerous moment came at the home gates on 11 minutes. Krystal striker Wilfried Zaha nearly scored: a shot from under a defender in the near corner struck on the post.
Photo source: IMAGO
But in the first half, the guests had no more chances. Arsenal were at the Palace half the time and turned that lead into two goals.
Martinelli shook the defender in the penalty area and shot into the far corner – 1:0. It was in the 28th minute. And at the end of the half, the hosts managed a long attack; as a result, Sak was brought to a shock position and – 2:0.
And shortly after the start of the second half, the third goal was scored by Xhaka. At this point, the curtain can be lowered.
Arsenal took the three most important points before the two-week break for international matches. They are now eight points ahead of Manchester City, but Josep Guardiola’s team are a game away.
The position of the teams in the Premier League. 1. Arsenal – 69 points (28 games). 2. Manchester City – 61 (27). 3. Manchester United – 50 (26)…
English Premier League. round 28
Arsenal – Crystal Palace – 4:1 (2:0)
Goals: Martinelli, 28 (1:0), Saka, 43 (2:0), Xhaka, 55 (3:0), Schlupp, 63 (3:1), Saka, 74 (4:1).
Arsenal: Ramsdale, Whyte, Gabriel (Kivior 86), Holding, Zinchenko (Tierney 65), Party, Odegaard, Xhaka, Saka, Martinelli (Smith-Row 83), Trossard (Jesus 65).
Referee: Stuart Atwell
March 18th. London. Emirates Stadium.
