Published on: Dec 21, 2024 2:20 pm IST|Updated on: Dec 21, 2024 2:20 pm IST
Crystal Palace will host Arsenal in a Premier League London derby on 21 December 2024, just days after their dramatic encounter in the EFL Cup quarter-finals. Arsenal edged a thrilling 3-2 victory in midweek, and both teams now aim to build momentum in the league.
Gabriel Jesus stole the show for Arsenal on Wednesday, scoring a hat-trick to end a year-long goal drought at the Emirates Stadium. His heroics helped Arsenal overcome Palace in the cup and progress to the semi-finals. However, it wasn’t without controversy, as his second goal appeared offside, but with no VAR in the EFL Cup, the decision stood.
This win was a much-needed response from Mikel Arteta’s men after back-to-back Premier League draws against Everton and Fulham. Arsenal is six points behind league leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand, making every point crucial in their title race.
The Gunners are unbeaten in their last nine matches across all competitions and have a stellar record in Premier League London derbies this year. They haven’t lost a derby in 2024, winning seven and drawing two. No team has gone a full calendar year unbeaten in London derbies since Chelsea in 2005, and Arsenal aims to join this exclusive club.
Crystal Palace’s midweek defeat in North London ended their five-game unbeaten run, but there were positives to take. Manager Oliver Glasner’s team gave a spirited performance despite eventually being outclassed by Arsenal’s stronger lineup in the second half.
Before the cup loss, Palace earned an impressive 3-1 win over rivals Brighton, solidifying their position in 15th place in the Premier League table. However, they remain only four points above the relegation zone, so a couple of bad results could see them dragged into the bottom three.
Palace has struggled at home this season, with just one Premier League win at Selhurst Park—a 2-1 victory against Tottenham. However, they have fond memories of beating Arsenal 3-0 at home in the 2021-22 season. That said, Arsenal has since dominated this fixture, winning five consecutive games against the Eagles.
Crystal Palace (Premier League): LDDWDW Crystal Palace (All Competitions): DDWDWL Arsenal (Premier League): DWWWDD Arsenal (All Competitions): WWDWDW
GK: D Raya
DEF: W Saliba, G Magalhaes, T Chalobah, T Mitchell, M Lacroix
MID: B Saka, D Rice, E Eze, M Odegaard
ST: K Havertz
Henderson; Chalobah, Lacroix, Guehi; Clyne, Hughes, Doucoure, Mitchell; Sarr, Kamada; Mateta
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli
Crystal Palace 6/1
Draw 7/2
Arsenal 8/15
Likely Result – Arsenal
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