Late Mateta equaliser stuns Gunners as both sides balance cup dreams with league realities.
By IDNN Sports Desk | April 25, 2025
[LONDON] — Crystal Palace twice came from behind to earn a hard-fought 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium, effectively ending Arsenal’s faint Premier League title hopes and putting Liverpool just one point away from being crowned champions for the second time in six seasons.
With Arne Slot’s side leading by 12 points, a draw against Tottenham on Sunday would see Liverpool clinch their 20th top-flight title, equalling Manchester United’s all-time record.
Gunners Falter, Again
Arsenal, who remain second in the table, started brightly. Jakub Kiwior nodded in a well-delivered free-kick from Martin Ødegaard inside the third minute. But as has happened so often this season, their early spark dimmed.
Eberechi Eze equalised with a brilliantly executed volley in the 27th minute, and although Leandro Trossard restored Arsenal’s lead just before half-time, Jean-Philippe Mateta’s clinical chip punished a terrible error from William Saliba late in the second half.
“We dropped the standards,” admitted manager Mikel Arteta, who now faces a defining week with Paris Saint-Germain visiting in the Champions League semi-finals on Tuesday.
Rotation, Risks & Regrets
With their Champions League clash looming, Arsenal fielded a mixed-strength side. Bukayo Saka was benched after a knock, and Mikel Merino and Ben White were both ruled out with unspecified injuries.
Trossard, however, continues to shine in front of goal, notching his fourth Premier League strike in four games—equalling the tally from his previous 31 appearances.
But the draw—Arsenal’s 13th this season—is a microcosm of their campaign: talented, energetic, but too often undone by avoidable mistakes and inconsistencies.
Palace Push for Wembley
Palace boss Oliver Glasner made key rotations with an eye on the club’s FA Cup semi-final clash against Aston Villa. While Mateta started on the bench, his second-half introduction made the difference.
The Eagles, sitting comfortably in 12th, are focused on cup glory as a route into European competition. Their attacking flair was on show with Eze and Mateta’s goals, but poor defending nearly cost them.
Devenny and Sarr both missed good headed chances, while the defence struggled to contain Arsenal’s midfield surges.
Arsenal’s Thin Line Between Progress and Plateau
This result is more than just a statistical setback—it’s a symbolic one. Arsenal have dropped points at home in crucial moments all season, and once again, mental lapses have proved costly.
As Liverpool edge toward the title, Arsenal fans are left wondering whether this squad—bright and bold—can take that final step under Arteta.
And while Crystal Palace may not be chasing silverware in the league, their resilience, attacking clarity, and cup potential make them a team to watch as Wembley draws near.
