Pain in the Arsenal
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Over to you, City, as Arsenal blow away Crystal Palace

By Adam Schultz

Arsenal's Brazilian midfielder Gabriel Martinelli (R) celebrates after scoring the opening goal of the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium in London on March 19, 2023. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal's Brazilian midfielder Gabriel Martinelli (R) celebrates after scoring the opening goal of the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium in London on March 19, 2023. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Arsenal thumped Crystal Palace 4-1 at the Emirates Stadium and heaped the pressure on Pep Guardiola’s side in the process.

For the most part, when Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have had a chance this season, they’ve taken it.

Against Crystal Palace on Sunday, the Gunners knew that a win would move them eight points clear of second-placed Manchester City, who will have a game in hand, at the top of the Premier League table.

From the outset, the Gunners meant business, and aside from a few nervy moments in the first half, Arsenal showed no nerves about what was in front of them.

In years gone by, the hosts would’ve been left frustrated at not breaking a stubborn Palace side down, but this year’s Arsenal feels different.

It was domination.

Two goals to end the first half signalled the difference between the two sides, and after less than ten minutes into the second half, Arsenal added a third, and the game, as a contest, was over.

The 4-1 drubbing now means that Pep Guardiola’s side has to play a serious game of catch-up. City’s embarrassment of riches in their squad will be tested against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium after the international break.

Anything other than three points for Guardiola’s men would be a significant advantage for Arsenal. While we are not naïve enough to think that the title race is nearly over, with each win that the Gunners notch on their belts, the pathway to that elusive Premier League title gains another stone.

The Gunners’ remaining schedule is considerably tougher as they face Liverpool, Newcastle, and City all away from home. While for Pep’s side, the only ‘tough’ game is against Liverpool.

They also play Chelsea, but given their struggles, it can hardly be seen as “tough.”

It promises to be a fascinating watch in the last stage of the Premier League season, and with each challenge presented to Arsenal, they pass.

While Champions League qualification was the mark set during the pre-season, now, with just ten games to go, fans dream of a first title at the Emirates and a first title in 19 years.

Over to you City.

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