Newly crowned Premier League champions Arsenal eased to a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in a match played amid celebration, rotation and an eye on bigger finals ahead.
With Crystal Palace preparing for their Conference League final and Arsenal already focused on Saturday’s Champions League showdown, both managers heavily shuffled their line-ups in a contest that carried more of a festive atmosphere than a high-stakes league encounter.
Despite the relaxed tempo, Arsenal still showed the quality that has defined their title-winning campaign. Gabriel Jesus finally broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute after squandering two earlier openings, calmly finishing to hand the visitors a deserved lead before half-time.
The Gunners tightened their grip soon after the restart when Noni Madueke converted from another slick Arsenal set-piece routine, doubling the advantage and effectively sealing Arsenal’s 26th league victory of the season.
Palace threatened a dramatic late comeback when substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta headed home Yeremy Pino’s cross in the 89th minute. Pino then thought he had salvaged a stoppage-time equaliser, only for the goal to be ruled out after Evann Guessand was adjudged to have interfered from an offside position during the build-up.
Mikel Arteta’s side also celebrated a landmark moment as 16-year-old Max Dowman became the youngest player ever to start a Premier League match at just 16 years and 144 days. The teenager impressed on his full debut in one of nine changes made by the Arsenal manager following the win over Burnley.
There was also an emotional subplot involving Eberechi Eze, who returned to Selhurst Park for the first time since his £67 million move to Arsenal. The England international received a warm ovation from Palace supporters, who still cherish his FA Cup heroics from last season.
Arsenal’s only concern arrived when Madueke limped off with a suspected hamstring issue late in the match. However, the winger did not appear to be in significant discomfort and will be assessed ahead of upcoming fixtures.
For Arsenal fans, though, the afternoon was always about more than the result. The loudest celebrations came after the final whistle as the club lifted the Premier League trophy following a long-awaited return to the summit of English football.
