Arsenal breathed new life into its Premier League title challenge as a 5-0 win over Crystal Palace got the Gunners back to winning ways.
Centre-back Gabriel did most of the damage before half-time as he headed in the opener then forced Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson into an own goal.
Leandro Trossard made it 3-0 on the hour mark before substitute Gabriel Martinelli struck twice in stoppage time.
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Victory moves Mikel Arteta’s men level with Manchester City and Aston Villa, two points behind leaders Liverpool.
“We wanted to start the second part of the season with a great performance, with a great result, and build that positivity and momentum again,” said Arteta. “I think the boys did a good job today.”
Arsenal had won just once in seven games prior to a two-week winter break. However, a warm weather training camp in Dubai looked to have refreshed last season’s runners-up, even if they did have very obliging visitors in struggling Palace.
The Eagles have won just once in 12 games to leave them still perilously poised above the relegation zone and pile the pressure on 76-year-old boss Roy Hodgson.
Arsenal’s lack of a natural goalscorer upfront has been scrutinised during their downturn in form and the fact it was one of his defenders that ended a barren run in front of goal will remain a concern for Arteta.
No side has scored more goals from set pieces in the Premier League this season than Arsenal and it was two corners that undid Palace before half-time.
“Credit to all the coaches, to (set-piece coach) Nico (Jover) for the amount of time and belief we put in,” added Arteta.
“It’s got a huge impact – we’ve seen that as well in recent games that we’ve lost when we’ve conceded set pieces. The outcome is very different when you don’t concede and score.” Gabriel outmuscled Chris Richards to rise highest to meet Declan Rice’s delivery with a downward header to settle the home side’s nerves just 11 minutes in.
Palace did not learn their lesson as Gabriel again got ahead of Richards to meet Bukayo Saka’s corner eight minutes before half-time and the ball rebounded in off the unfortunate Henderson.
UNITED TO RAID CITY’S CEO
Manchester United are set to raid rivals Manchester City to appoint Omar Berrada as the club’s new CEO.
Berrada has resigned as head of football operations as City Football Group, which controls the English champions as well as a portfolio of other clubs across the globe.
“Manchester City Football Club can confirm that Omar Berrada has resigned from his role as Chief Football Operations Officer at City Football Group,” City said in a statement.
“The club understands his decision to look for a new challenge and he leaves with our thanks and best wishes.”
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Berrada joined City from Barcelona in 2011, where he worked alongside City Football Group’s CEO Ferran Soriano and City director of football Txiki Begiristain.
The trio are credited with City’s development into a slick commercial operation off the field that has helped contribute to the club’s success during Pep Guardiola’s reign as manager.
Several British media reported on Saturday that Berrada will now make the move across Manchester to Old Trafford.
The appointment marks one of the first major steps taken by British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe since he took a 25 per cent stake in United for $1.3 billion.
Berrada is set to lead United’s football and business operations and sit on the board of directors.
United have been without a permanent CEO since Richard Arnold left at the end of last year.
ALL RESULTS
BRENTFORD 3 NOTTM FOREST 2
ARSENAL 5 CRYSTAL PALACE 0
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