Mateta’s Magic Halts Arsenal as Liverpool Close in on the Crown

TDT | Manama

Email : hussianm@newsofbahrain.com

Jean-Philippe Mateta stunned the Emirates with a sublime late chip to earn Crystal Palace a 2-2 draw against Arsenal on Wednesday night — a result that leaves Liverpool just a single point away from clinching the Premier League title.

Arsenal, desperate to keep the pressure on the leaders, started strong. Jakub Kiwior’s powerful header and a tidy Leandro Trossard finish looked to be enough for the hosts. But Eberechi Eze’s brilliant volley and Mateta’s audacious 85th-minute equaliser flipped the script and kept Palace firmly in the spotlight ahead of their FA Cup semi-final on Saturday.

The result leaves Arsenal second on 67 points, with only four matches remaining. Liverpool, on 79 with five to play, can officially seal the title with just a draw against Tottenham at Anfield this weekend.

"I saw the keeper off his line, so I just went for it," said Mateta, who came on in the 80th minute. "It’s one of the best goals of my career."

Both teams were juggling domestic and European ambitions, but it was Palace who looked more focused and fearless. Arsenal, by contrast, seemed fatigued, drawing for the fifth time in eight league matches — a run that has ultimately handed Liverpool the title on a silver platter.

For Mikel Arteta’s men, attention now shifts to their Champions League semi-final against PSG. But for now, the Premier League dream is all but over.