Arya News - Jean-Philippe Mateta’s late equaliser earned a point for the Eagles.
Arsenal’s title challenge has long since faded, and for a third consecutive season they look set to finish as runners-up. But Arteta and his players will have been desperate to avoid handing the title to Liverpool by losing against Palace.
With their match against PSG just six days away, Bukayo Saka dropped to the bench, but Arsenal were ahead after just 145 seconds.
Kiwior broke free of the Palace defence to arrive unmarked to Martin Odegaard’s free-kick to head home just the third goal of his Arsenal career.
To their credit, Palace responded well, and former Arsenal man Eddie Nketiah headed wide from a corner before scuffing a shot when he might have done better. But Palace were soon on level terms when Eze produced a moment of magic.
Eberechi Eze levelled for Crystal Palace in the first half (Adam Davy/PA)
Standing unmarked on the edge of Arsenal’s penalty area, Eze fired Adam Wharton’s pinpoint corner on the volley, into the ground, and into the net, via the inside of David Raya’s post.
Palace had their tails up, and Nketiah nearly put the visitors ahead after he wriggled free of Kiwior only to see his shot hit the Pole’s outstretched leg.
Thomas Partey’s suspension could see Mikel Merino, who was absent from Arsenal’s squad here, revert to midfield for the game against PSG and allow Trossard to lead the attack.
Leandro Trossard (centre) restored Arsenal’s advantage (Adam Davy/PA)
And after his double against Ipswich on Sunday, Trossard was back among the scorers three minutes before half-time when he picked up Jurrien Timber’s pass and unleashed a shot which took a slight deflection off Maxence Lacroix’s studs past Dean Henderson. The former Brighton man goaded the visiting Palace fans by cupping his ear in their direction.
After the break, Raya was called into action when he tipped over Justin Devenny’s effort and then denied Marc Guehi’s header from the resulting corner.
At the other end, Gabriel Martinelli had a goal chalked off after Timber failed to keep the ball in as he cut it back for his team-mate.
Substitute Saka’s side-footed volley from Martinelli’s cross was palmed over by Henderson with 10 minutes left, but there would be another twist when Palace equalised moments later.
A casual Saliba saw his attempted pass to Odegaard intercepted by Mateta, and the striker, having only just been brought on, spotted Raya out of position before he produced a sublime finish to chip the ball over the Spaniard’s head.
Eight minutes of injury time followed but a nervy Arsenal saw out the draw with Liverpool forced to put the champagne back on ice.