In the first half of the match at the Emirates against Crystal Palace, Gabriel played a pivotal role in securing a comfortable two-goal lead for Arsenal. His initial goal resulted from a commanding header, and shortly after, another header led to an own goal by Crystal Palace’s goalkeeper, Dean Henderson.
Motivated by a sense of urgency following consecutive Premier League defeats to West Ham United and Fulham, Arsenal witnessed a shift in dynamics as they took an early lead against their London rivals, Crystal Palace.
Gabriel’s first goal unfolded when he outjumped Chris Richards to connect with Declan Rice’s well-delivered corner. The powerful header found the net after bouncing off the ground, eluding the grasp of Crystal Palace’s goalkeeper, Dean Henderson.
Set-pieces continued to be a fruitful avenue for Arsenal, with Gabriel showcasing his aerial prowess once again. His header resulted in another own goal by Henderson, highlighting Arsenal’s dominance in exploiting set plays.
Sustaining their aerial threat throughout the game, the Gunners kept Crystal Palace uneasy in dealing with corners. The second goal, an own goal forced by Gabriel, underscored Arsenal’s proficiency in utilizing set-piece opportunities.
Leandro Trossard extended Arsenal’s lead before the hour mark with a composed finish. The third goal stemmed from a counter-attack initiated from a Crystal Palace corner, with Gabriel Jesus delivering a precise ball to Trossard, ending his ten-game goalless streak with a clinical close-range finish.
Despite a missed opportunity earlier in the game, Trossard’s goal solidified Arsenal’s commanding position. The team’s adept use of set-pieces and effective counter-attacks showcased a different Arsenal compared to their recent struggles in the Premier League.
