Mateta stunner earns Eagles a point | OneFootball

Sub Jean-Phillippe Mateta scored a wonderful chip, as Arsenal and Crystal Palace shared the spoils in a tightly contested match at Emirates Stadium to delay Liverpool’s confirmation as Premier League title winners.

With the two sides prioritising cup competitions - Arsenal in the Champions League semi-finals and Palace in the FA Cup at the same stage - both managers opted to rotate their squads and give regular starters a rest.

The Gunners opened the scoring early, as centre-half Jakub Kiwior rose highest to nod in a superb header from a Martin Odegaard set-piece just three minutes into the game.

Palace posed a threat going forward but were shaky defensively. However, Oliver Glasner’s men drew level in the 27th minute with a well-rehearsed routine. Adam Wharton lofted the ball to the edge of the box, where Eberechi Eze struck a bouncing volley that clipped the post and went in.

Leandro Trossard restored Arsenal’s advantage shortly before the interval, collecting a clever ball from Jurrien Timber and drilling a low shot into the far corner.

The visitors kept pressing and came close through headers by Justin Devenny and Ismaila Sarr, but neither could make solid contact.

Palace equalised again thanks to substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta. A misplaced pass from William Saliba gifted the forward possession 25 yards from goal, and he responded with a delightful chip over the onrushing David Raya.

The draw means Liverpool’s opportunity to secure the title now hinges on their upcoming clash with Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday at 16:30 BST.