Liverpool edges closer to Premier League title as Arsenal stunned by late goal

Arsenal had made an ideal start, with Jakub Kiwior heading home from a corner inside three minutes. But Crystal Palace, despite resting several starters ahead of their FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa, responded with resilience and quality. 

Eberechi Eze levelled with a superb volley from a rehearsed set-piece in the 27th minute, exploiting Arsenal’s lapse in concentration on a zonal marking scheme.

Leandro Trossard restored Arsenal’s lead just before halftime, finishing off a slick attacking sequence to notch his third goal in the last two games.

From there, the Gunners appeared to be in control—until a moment of carelessness proved costly. With seven minutes remaining, William Saliba’s under-hit back pass allowed Mateta to intercept and calmly chip over David Raya for the equalizer.

"Disappointed with the result and the performance,” Arteta told Sky Sports after the game. “We didn't find enough consistency in the actions to completely dominate the game. We gave balls away and dropped standards in the defensive habits. When you are not at your best but are winning 2-1 we can't give that goal away like we did. But we did it and that's part of football and it cost us two points."

It was Arsenal’s 13th draw of the season, and their fifth in the last eight league matches—a run that has handed the initiative to Liverpool. Arteta also faces fresh concerns, with Ben White and Mikel Merino both sidelined and uncertain for next week’s Champions League semifinal against Paris Saint-Germain.

For Palace, it was a performance full of grit and confidence. Despite the rotated squad, Oliver Glasner’s side competed throughout and showed mental strength to claw back into the contest.

As Liverpool watched events unfold from afar, the outcome could hardly have been better. With the title now in reach, a celebratory Anfield awaits this weekend.