Mateta magic delays Liverpool title party as Arsenal stumble against spirited Palace

LONDON: Arsenal narrowly delayed Liverpool’s Premier League title celebrations but were held to a dramatic 2-2 draw by Crystal Palace at the Emirates on Wednesday. The Gunners, needing a win to keep their faint title hopes alive, led twice through first-half goals from Jakub Kiwior and Leandro Trossard.

Eberechi Eze’s expertly taken volley had earlier pegged Arsenal back, but it was substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta who stole the spotlight. Coming on in the 80th minute, the Frenchman produced a moment of brilliance with an audacious late chip over David Raya, sealing a deserved point for the visitors.

The result leaves Arsenal second with 67 points and only four games remaining, meaning they can now only equal Liverpool’s tally of 79 points. Had the Gunners lost, Liverpool would have been crowned champions. Now, Jürgen Klopp’s side can clinch the title with just a point against Tottenham at Anfield on Sunday.

Mateta, named man-of-the-match, revealed he had spotted Raya off his line earlier and seized his moment: “I knew if I won the ball I could try, so I did and scored. It is one of the best goals of my career.”

Both teams now shift focus to major cup semi-finals—Arsenal host PSG in the Champions League next week, while Palace face Aston Villa at Wembley in the FA Cup on Saturday.