Arsenal player ratings vs Crystal Palace: 9/10 man finally answers critics in emphatic win

Arsenal kept the pressure on Liverpool and Chelsea as they swept to a 5-1 Premier League victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday evening. Gabriel Jesus picked up from where he left off in midweek after scoring the opening goal of the match six minutes in, before Ismaila Sarr drew the hosts level five minutes later.

Jesus bagged his fifth goal of the week moments later, with Kai Havertz adding a third before the interval.

The Gunners put the game to bed on the hour mark as Gabriel Martinelli turned the ball in after Jesus had hit the post with a header, with Declan Rice adding a fifth late on. And Express Sport brings you the player ratings from the match.

David Raya: 7

Almost played his team into trouble when playing out from the back at 1-0. And it seemed to rock the visitors as they conceded seconds later. Saved well to keep out Jean-Philippe Mateta midway through the first half and made another fantastic stop in the early stages of the second period. Was called into action on plenty of occasions.

Jurrien Timber: 7

Looked composed on the right flank as Palace attacked through the middle and got forward well. Has proved himself to be a reliable performer on both flanks this season.

Gabriel: 8

Teed up Jesus’ opener before hitting the bar with a header towards the end of the first half. Was a huge threat from set-pieces as usual and was a solid presence alongside William Saliba at the other end of the pitch.

William Saliba: 6

Dawdled on the ball as he was dispossessed on the edge of his own area in the first half, with David Raya sparing his blushes by keeping out Mateta’s effort. Was beaten in several duels and didn't have one of his finer games.

Myles Lewis-Skelly: 7

Has shown huge maturity in his two Premier League starts after being thrust into the team against Everton last weekend. Defended well and will be asked to get forward more as he gets used to life in the Premier League.

Martin Odegaard: 8

Arsenal’s creative genius was always asking for the ball and attempting to unlock the Palace defence. Wasn’t able to register a goal or assist but certainly played his part in the victory as the Gunners oozed class going forward.

Thomas Partey: 6

Palace looked to drive through Arsenal’s midfield in the first half and had some luck at times. Wasn’t always able to halt attacks from the hosts but was a notable presence nonetheless.

Kai Havertz: 7

Was utilised in midfield rather than in the front three and worked hard to keep his team in the ascendency. Got himself into a good area to tap in the rebound for Arsenal’s third goal of the night.

Bukayo Saka: 6

Went down holding his knee midway through the first half and was forced off the pitch as Leandro Trossard came on to replace him. Will be a huge miss for the Gunners if he is ruled out for an extended period of time.

Gabriel Martinelli: 8

Has endured a difficult season but bagged his fifth goal of the campaign after popping up with a strike from close range. Delivered a good corner ahead of Jesus’ second goal and looked dangerous every time his side went forward.

Gabriel Jesus: 9

Produced a scintillating performance and was Arsenal’s best player on the night. Hadn’t scored in the Premier League since January ahead of the match but looked like scoring again and again on the night. Netted twice and had plenty of opportunities to add a third. Palace couldn’t handle him.

Substitutes:

Leandro Trossard: 7

Declan Rice: 8

Riccardo Calafiori: 6

Mikel Merino: 6

Ethan Nwaneri: 6