Crystal Palace 1-5 Arsenal: Player ratings from Gunners pre-Christmas goal rush

A Gabriel Jesus brace and goals from Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli spared Arsenal's defensive blushes during a wild 5-1 win away to Crystal Palace in the Premier League. The early withdrawal of Bukayo Saka was the only lingering negative from the day.

Midfielders

Jean-Philippe Mateta, Martin Odegaard — Martin Odegaard and the Arsenal midfield sometimes struggled for control. | Julian Finney/GettyImages

Thomas Partey (CM)—6/10—This was standard stuff from Thomas Partey. Some moments were littered with mistakes, errant passes, and lapses in positional awareness. Other moments were when Arsenal could be grateful for the Ghanaian's physical power and willingness to mix it in the engine room.

Kai Havertz (CM) - 7/10 - The goal put some gloss on an otherwise ordinary showing from Havertz. What was encouraging was the way the German kept things simple and efficient during a return to a midfield berth he's often struggled to make his own.

Martin Odegaard (AM) - 7/10 - He wasn't always at his free-flowing best, but it's a testament to his importance that Martin Odegaard can play an economical game and still be Arsenal's chief creative force. His passing was neat and incisive, while Odegaard's vision kept the threat levels high for the visitors.

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