A point was just enough for Arsenal in a match that had all the drama and data to match. With Liverpool ready to pop the champagne, the Gunners’ 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace delayed the title party—but only just. Let’s dig into a game that had wild swings, bold finishes, and enough tactical spice to fill a highlight reel.

Momentum Swings and Big Moments

The xG race tells a tale of two comebacks. Jakub Kiwior kicked things off early for Arsenal (xG: 0.09), only for Eberechi Eze to level (xG: 0.07) and ignite Palace’s surge. Trossard’s tidy strike (xG: 0.27) looked like the decider until Jean-Philippe Mateta tapped in from nowhere (xG: 0.02) in the 82nd minute. Arsenal’s momentum waned late, and Palace capitalized.

Stats Breakdown: Shots Galore, Goals to Match

Despite holding just 31% possession, Crystal Palace fired off 14 shots (2.28 xG) and found the net twice. Palace outshot Arsenal in volume, accuracy, and expected goals, showing just how close they came to flipping the title script.

Arsenal, with more of the ball (69% possession), mustered 11 shots worth 1.70 xG—also scoring twice. Both sides matched up in real terms—2 goals apiece—but under the hood, Palace were the more threatening side.

Who Looked in Control? The Pass Maps Say…

Arsenal’s pass network leaned heavily on Thomas Partey as the central hub, connecting Odegaard, Rice, and Timber in a compact triangle. Meanwhile, Palace’s buildup flowed from Guehi through Kamada and Eze, with Mitchell pushing the left wing aggressively.

Despite Arsenal’s slicker setup and dominance in time on the ball, Palace were more direct and effective at getting into dangerous areas—registering more touches in the opposition box (25 vs. Arsenal’s 19).

Final Whistle: Arsenal Survive, But Liverpool Are Lurking

Make no mistake—this was a title-defining result. Had Arsenal lost the match, Liverpool would already be crowned champions. Palace, on the other hand, continue to play fearless football and crash the party—literally.