In an unusual turn of events, many Liverpool supporters found themselves hoping Arsenal would avoid defeat in a Premier League match.
And when Jean-Philippe Mateta netted the equaliser with seven minutes remaining, capitalising on a mistake by William Saliba, Crystal Palace were just one goal away from potentially handing Liverpool the title right there in north London.
Consequently, the league leaders will now have the opportunity to secure the title at home against Tottenham on Sunday.
This season has been remarkable for Arne Slot, and the prospect of clinching the club’s 20th top-flight title in front of the Kop faithful, rather than watching it unfold on television, will undoubtedly make the achievement even sweeter.
Mateta`s leveler came after Eberechi Eze had previously cancelled out Jakub Kiwior`s opening goal. Leandro Trossard`s strike just before halftime seemed poised to seal the win for Arsenal, but Saliba`s defensive error proved costly.
While some Liverpool fans might claim they wouldn`t mind where the title was secured, it feels fitting that the moment is now set to happen at Anfield this Sunday.
Due to Covid restrictions, the Reds were unable to fully celebrate their 2020 Premier League triumph. If Slot`s side overcome Spurs this weekend – a highly probable outcome based on current form – Merseyside is likely to experience widespread celebrations on Monday morning.
Conversely, Arsenal`s supporters are hoping for their own significant celebrations, potentially linked to the Champions League final on June 1st.
To reach that showpiece event in Munich, or even to get past Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals, the Gunners must avoid defensive lapses like the one seen from Saliba.
Arsenal also needs to address their striker situation, and perhaps Trossard, despite an inconsistent season, could emerge as the solution. His performance certainly boosted his chances of starting the first leg against PSG at the Emirates on Tuesday.
Whether Trossard can genuinely trouble the Parisian defence remains to be seen, but at least he presents a viable option and appears to be playing with some confidence. With Mikel Merino sidelined by injury and Thomas Partey suspended for the first leg, Trossard`s role becomes even more crucial.
Partey started the match, being one of four changes from the previous win at Portman Road.
Resilient Palace
However, Mikel Arteta’s team, having scored from a set-piece themselves, were then caught out by a well-worked routine from Crystal Palace`s training ground. Instead of sending his corner into the box, Adam Wharton found Eze waiting on the edge of the area.
Eze connected cleanly with his volley, which took a significant bounce before hitting the post and going in.
Arsenal`s goalscorer, Kiwior, made a crucial defensive intervention later, blocking a close-range shot from Eddie Nketiah. Nketiah, who spent nine years at Arsenal before moving to Palace for £25 million last summer, would have relished scoring against his former club.
Nketiah might look at Arsenal`s current striker situation with some frustration, but equally, he hasn`t set Selhurst Park alight either. Had he been playing for Arsenal, he likely wouldn`t have produced the piece of skill that Trossard displayed for the second goal.
Trossard`s Skill
Trossard demonstrated superb control with his first touch to bring down a fast-travelling pass from Jurrien Timber. He then created space for himself before his shot, which took a slight deflection off Maxence Lacroix, found the net. It was still a fine finish.
Arsenal fans were relieved to see Bukayo Saka among the substitutes after he limped off on Sunday. There was a huge roar when Saka was brought on before the hour mark, replacing Raheem Sterling, who had a poor game.
Arsenal midfielder Gabriel Martinelli thought he had extended their lead to 3-1, but a VAR check confirmed that the ball had gone out of play before Timber`s cross.
Arsenal seemed comfortable, but perhaps too much so, as Saliba was punished for a misplaced pass towards Odegaard, which was intercepted by Mateta.
Noticing David Raya off his line, Mateta executed a brilliant chip over the keeper and into the net.
While Palace might have inadvertently prolonged Liverpool`s wait for the title, the impending celebration is now scheduled for Anfield in a few days` time.
