Gabriel Jesus scored twice in the first half either side of an Ismaila Sarr strike
Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice sealed a dominant away win
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By SAM BROOKES
Published: 14:26 EST, 21 December 2024 | Updated: 14:26 EST, 21 December 2024
Gabriel Jesus continued his return to form by scoring twice as Arsenal picked up a dominant 5-1 win at Crystal Palace to move within three points of Liverpool.
Jesus netted a hat-trick in a midweek Carabao Cup win over Palace, and was back at it again when he fired home from close range inside six minutes to give Arsenal the lead.
But Palace hit back through Ismaila Sarr as he ran at William Saliba before finding the bottom corner. Palace were only back on level terms for three minutes, though, as they failed to clear a corner and Jesus scored his second of the evening in the 14th minute.
Bukayo Saka went off injured shortly afterwards, but that didn't stop the Gunners. Jesus almost helped himself to a first half hat-trick but his header seven minutes before the break came back off the post, with Kai Havertz following in to tap home and give Arsenal some breathing space.
Any hopes of a comeback were extinguished on the hour mark when Gabriel Martinelli found himself in the right place at the right time to tap home, before Declan Rice wrapped up the points with a delightful finish from the edge of the penalty area.
More to follow...
Gabriel Jesus scored twice inside the opening 15 minutes at Selhurst Park