Arsenal achieved an incredible feat on Saturday, setting a new all-time record in English football with their dominant 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace in the Premier League. This impressive win not only highlighted the clinical edge of Mikel Arteta’s team but also marked a historic achievement for the club in the context of the English top flight. The victory comes after a week of successful performances, as the Gunners followed up their midweek Carabao Cup quarter-final triumph with another resounding win against their south London rivals.
Arsenal Beat Crystal Palace 5-1 on Saturday in the Premier League
It was a must-win match for Arsenal, who had been struggling for consistency in their recent Premier League games. After drawing their last two league fixtures, the Gunners needed to get back to winning ways, and they did so in spectacular fashion at Selhurst Park. Arsenal not only claimed all three points but also put in a ruthless performance that underlined their attacking prowess.
The match started in electric fashion as Arsenal made their intentions clear from the very first whistle. Gabriel Jesus, who had starred in Arsenal’s 4-1 Carabao Cup victory over Crystal Palace just a few days earlier, was once again the protagonist, scoring twice within the opening stages of the match. His early brace set the tone for what would become a comprehensive victory for the visitors.
Kai Havertz, who has had a mixed start to life at Arsenal since his summer move from Chelsea, also contributed to the scoreline, netting before the half-time break to give the Gunners a commanding 3-1 lead at the interval. Despite a brief resurgence from Crystal Palace, with Ismaila Sarr equalizing for the home side, Arsenal proved too strong after the restart, adding two more goals to finish the game 5-1.
Gabriel Martinelli, who had been a consistent performer for Arsenal, extended the lead early in the second half, and Declan Rice, who has become a key player in Arteta’s midfield since his summer arrival, rounded off the scoring with a well-taken goal of his own. The second half was an exhibition of Arsenal’s attacking play, with their clinical finishing making the difference in a one-sided contest.
Arsenal Set a New Record in the Eagles’ Thrashing
As if the scoreline wasn’t enough, Arsenal’s emphatic win over Crystal Palace also helped them etch their name into English football history. According to Opta, Arsenal became the first team in English top-flight history to score five or more goals in six separate away games within a single calendar year in all competitions. This remarkable statistic underscores the attacking potency of Mikel Arteta’s side and their ability to perform on the road.
Arsenal’s attacking capabilities have been a key feature of their success under Arteta, and this new record reflects the Gunners’ relentless approach to scoring goals. The fact that they managed to rack up five or more goals in multiple away games across the calendar year is a testament to the quality of players Arteta has at his disposal.
This achievement is especially significant because Arsenal’s dominance was not limited to just one competition. Two of Arsenal’s five-goal victories this season came within just a few days of each other, demonstrating their ability to maintain high performance levels across various competitions. Early in the season, Arsenal defeated Sporting CP 5-1 in the Champions League, followed by a 5-2 victory over West Ham United in the Premier League. These performances show just how potent Arsenal can be in front of goal.
In addition to these high-scoring victories, Arsenal also enjoyed impressive away wins against teams like West Ham and Sheffield United, with 6-0 scorelines in February and March. They also put five goals past Burnley at Turf Moor, another indication of the attacking depth and versatility within Arteta’s squad.
Saturday’s win over Crystal Palace capped off an outstanding year of away performances for Arsenal, and the Gunners’ away record has been one of the standout features of their season. The victory marked the final away game of 2024 for Arsenal, and it was a fitting conclusion to what has been an incredibly successful year for the club on the road.
A Thrilling Finish to 2024 for Arsenal
With the win over Crystal Palace, Arsenal ensured they ended their away campaign for 2024 on a high note. This victory gave the Gunners an additional boost as they prepare to welcome Ipswich Town to the Emirates Stadium on December 27, marking their final home game of the calendar year.
Looking ahead to the start of 2025, Arsenal will face Brentford away on New Year’s Day. However, after an outstanding finish to 2024, Arteta’s men will be full of confidence as they enter the new year. The performances shown in their recent games, particularly their clinical away wins, will give the team momentum heading into the next stage of the season.
Despite the dominant win, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for Arsenal, as they were forced to cope with a potentially worrying injury to star winger Bukayo Saka. The 22-year-old, who has been one of Arsenal’s standout players in recent seasons, sustained a hamstring injury during the first half of the Crystal Palace match. While the severity of the injury is still unclear, it represents a potential setback for Arteta’s team. Saka has been integral to Arsenal’s attacking play, and any extended absence would be a blow to the Gunners’ ambitions.
It is expected that the club will closely monitor Saka’s condition and provide updates in the coming days. Given the importance of the upcoming fixtures, Arsenal will be hoping for a swift recovery to avoid missing the dynamic winger for any extended period.
Arsenal’s Rising Confidence and Future Ambitions
Arsenal’s 5-1 demolition of Crystal Palace is a statement of intent from Mikel Arteta’s side. While they have experienced their share of inconsistency this season, the Gunners’ attacking display against Palace shows just how dangerous they can be when firing on all cylinders. The team has made significant strides under Arteta, with their impressive attacking record and newfound resilience at the back making them serious contenders in both domestic and European competitions.
The club has set high standards for themselves this season, and Arteta’s focus on building a team capable of challenging for titles is evident in their performances. Arsenal will need to maintain this level of form if they are to challenge for the Premier League title and make deep runs in the Champions League and other competitions.
As the Gunners look ahead to 2025, the challenge will be to maintain this attacking firepower while ensuring defensive solidity. The depth of the squad will also be tested as the season progresses, particularly with the busy winter schedule and the potential absence of key players like Saka.
Arsenal’s record-breaking 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday not only demonstrated their attacking strength but also marked a significant milestone in the club’s history. The Gunners’ ability to score five or more goals in six separate away games across a single calendar year has set a new record for English football, cementing their place as one of the most exciting teams in the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta’s side continues to evolve, and with the attacking depth they possess, Arsenal will be a formidable force as they push for success in 2025. While the potential injury to Bukayo Saka is a concern, the team’s overall performance and the quality of their squad mean that Arsenal are well-placed to achieve their ambitions in the coming year.