Arsenal reignited their Premier League title challenge by thrashing struggling Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners’ fight at the top was shattered towards the end of last year as they lost three of their last five Premier League games.
But, after heading off to Dubai for a week-long winter break, Mikel Arteta’s side returned fired up as a Gabriel header, Dean Henderson own goal, Leandro Trossard finish and two late Gabriel Martinelli strikes sealed the three points.
The first two goals came from corners, with the opener coming in the 11th minute when Gabriel nodded in from a Declan Rice corner.
Not too long, the defender’s header from a Saka’s corner struck Crystal Palace goalkeeper Henderson to deflect into the back of the net.
The visitors offered little in response. Instead Arsenal added to their lead in the second half when Trossard was sent one-on-one with the goalkeeper, from a Jesus’ assist and kept his cool to finish confidently.
Swcond half substitute, Gabriel Martinelli added further pain to the win with two goals in injury time, both swept into the far corner.
The win moves Arsenal up to third, two points behind leaders Liverpool but having played a game more than Jurgen Klopp’s side. Crystal Palace, meanwhile, remain 14th in the table.
