Arsenal once again outlined their Premier League title credentials with Saturday’s resounding 5-1 win away at Crystal Palace.
The Gunners, fresh from knocking the Eagles out of the Carabao Cup, were even more rampant in their Premier League encounter.
Gabriel Jesus opened the scoring early on for Arsenal by firing home from inside the area after Palace failed to clear their lines.
Although Ismaila Sarr equalised in the 11th minute, Jesus quickly restored his side’s lead minutes later with a superb curling effort.
Palace had no reply to Jesus’ fifth goal this week, with Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice extending Arsenal’s lead.
However, the Gunners’ superb day was offset by a concerning injury to Bukayo Saka, who hobbled off in the first half after going down holding his knee.
Jamie Carragher named two Arsenal players who will need to step up if Saka is out long-term, and he’s confident they can do so.
Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal goal celebration with Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal after scoring during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace F...
Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images
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Jamie Carragher says Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli ‘need to chip in’ for Arsenal
Carragher, speaking on Sky Sports towards the end of the game, stressed how important the occasion was for Jesus and Martinelli, who both scored.
The pundit said both players “need to chip in” as it “can’t always be about Saka”, but believes it “bodes well” for them after how they did on Saturday.
“We focused on a lot of the attacking players and how important today was for Jesus and Martinelli and it can’t always be about Saka,” said Carragher, via BBC Sport.
“They need to chip in as they have done today and today certainly bodes well for them.”
"When I play with a smile on my face, everything is different" ☺
Gabriel Jesus was loving yet another goal-filled performance against Crystal Palace 💥 pic.twitter.com/Gu3Z9Ct1Q5
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 21, 2024
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Arsenal supporters have said they feel Martinelli will be a solid replacement for Saka on the right wing.
What Jesus and Martinelli said post-match
Jesus, speaking to Sky Sports after the game, acknowledged that the pressure will always be on him to score goals as a No. 9.
He said: “First goal was very important. The way we started the game, the whole team was ready to play well and fight.
“They have a strong team with quality players. It is always difficult to come here. We did the job.
“I am happy with the goals, as a No. 9 I know the pressure is always on to score goals. Winning the three points was massive today.”
He continued: “I am the type of guy that wants to work hard. I know I can score goals, I just have to put myself in a good position to finish the action.
“When I play with a smile on my face everything is different. I am trying to keep my mind strong and help the team.
“That’s me, help the team, defend and recover the ball, but I understand I have to be more in the box to finish the action.”
Meanwhile, Martinelli said, as per the Premier League website: “It was a brilliant performance from the team, we did really well and deserved to win.
“We know our quality, we know what we can do. We trust ourselves and when we play in the way that know, things happen. It’s tough to play here but we just did our job.”
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