Palace Hold Arsenal to Draw, Leaving Liverpool One Point from Title

Crystal Palace came from behind twice to secure a 2-2 draw against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night, a result that leaves Liverpool needing just one point to clinch the Premier League title.

With both sides having crucial cup semi-finals on the horizon – Arsenal in the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain and Palace in the FA Cup – both managers opted to rest some key players.

Arsenal started brightly and took the lead in just the third minute when defender Jakub Kiwior headed home powerfully from Martin Ødegaard’s free-kick delivery.

Crystal Palace, however, looked threatening on the attack and equalised through a well-executed set-piece in the 27th minute. Adam Wharton delivered a clipped ball to the edge of the area where Eberechi Eze met it with a volley that bounced off the ground, hit the post, and found its way into the net.

Leandro Trossard, playing upfront for the Gunners, restored Arsenal’s lead just before halftime, collecting a pass from Jurriën Timber and squeezing a low shot into the bottom corner.

The Eagles continued to pose problems in the second half, missing opportunities through headers from Justin Devenny and Ismaïla Sarr. They eventually drew level for a second time when substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta capitalized on a poor pass from William Saliba 25 yards from goal, producing an excellent chipped finish over goalkeeper David Raya.

The draw – Arsenal’s 13th in the Premier League this season, a key factor in their fading title challenge – means leaders Liverpool require only a draw against Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Sunday to secure their 20th English league title, which would equal Manchester United’s record.

For Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, concerns linger over the fitness of Ben White and Mikel Merino, who were absent from the squad. Arteta gave little away about their potential availability for the first leg against PSG next Tuesday, simply stating, “We will have to wait and see.” With Thomas Partey also suspended for that crucial European tie, Arteta may have used Trossard’s deployment as a central striker in this match as preparation. Bukayo Saka was named on the bench as a precaution after picking up a knock against Ipswich last weekend.