Arsenal player ratings vs Crystal Palace: Saka the star as Holding impresses but Odegaard unusually quiet
Arsenal moved eight points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League by beating Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Bukayo Saka scored twice and Gabriel Martinelli and Granit Xhaka also got on the scoresheet as the Gunners ran out 4-1 winners.
Palace, who were playing their first game since sacking Patrick Vieira on Friday, struggled for much of the game but pulled a goal back in the second half through Jeffrey Schlupp.
The win means Arsenal go into April eight points clear of City at the top of the League, but they have played a game more.
Simon Collings was at Emirates Stadium to see Arsenal in action...
Aaron Ramsdale 6
Made a good save to deny Odsonne Edouard in the first half, although the offside flag went up afterwards. Almost beaten by a Wilfried Zaha shot that hit the post.
Ben White 8
After being left out of the England squad this week, the right-back had an excellent game. Won the ball to set up the opening goal and then assisted Saka for the second.
Rob Holding 8
Had played just 17 minutes of Premier League football before today, but was thrown in due to William Saliba being injured. Solid in the air and impressed on the ball too.
Gabriel 7
A steady performance from the Brazilian alongside Holding. Only disappointment for him will be the set-piece goal that Palace scored.
Oleksandr Zinchenko 7
Typically good in possession, but he actually caught the eye for his defensive work. Put in a few good tackles to keep Michael Olise quiet.
Martin Odegaard 6
One of the quieter players today as those around him excelled instead. Drew a good save from the Palace goalkeeper with a shot from outside the box in the first half.
Thomas Partey 7
Vital to the way Arsenal play and helped settle them down after a shaky start to the game. Excellent in possession and broke up play well. Finished the game at right-back.
Granit Xhaka 8
He has found some form again in recent weeks after dipping earlier on this year. Made it two goals in as many games by scoring Arsenal’s third.
Bukayo Saka 9 | Star player
Two goals and an assist from the winger, who was excellent during this win. Picked out Martinelli for the opener and finished both of his two goals really well.
Leandro Trossard 7
Spent most of the game playing as a false nine, although he occasionally swapped roles with Martinelli. Set up the third goal by playing in Xhaka.
Gabriel Martinelli 8
Bounced back from his penalty miss on Thursday night to open the scoring with a well-taken goal. Carried the ball really well all game and caused Joel Ward plenty of problems.
Subs
Gabriel Jesus (for Trossard 65’) 6
Some minutes for the Brazilian as he gets back to full fitness following four months out.
Kieran Tierney (for Zinchenko 65’) 7
A good cameo off the bench from the Scot as he set up Saka’s second.
Jorginho (for White 82’) N/A
Emile Smith Rowe (for Martinelli 82’) N/A
Jakub Kiwior (for Gabriel 86’) N/A
Subs not used: Turner, Vieira, Nelson, Walters.
