MIKEL ARTETA gave his reserve stars a final- day Premier League run-out as Arsenal kicked off their title parade in south London.
Gabriel Jesus and Noni Madueke goals either side of half-time looked to see the Gunners end their league season firing on all cylinders.
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Gabriel Jesus got the Arsenal parade underway Credit: Getty
Noni Madueke scored a second to celebrate his England World Cup pick Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
The Gunners announced their team alongside the words, “Your Premier League Champions”, but Arteta – doubtless with next week’s Champions League final in mind – named a team with six players who had started less than five league games over the course of the season.
It would be difficult to imagine more than two of the players who started against the Eagles starting against Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest next week, and some players made strong cases to that end today.
Jesus opened the scoring just before half-time with a low effort into the near post before Madueke volleyed home a deserved clincher.
It was ultimately a cruise control game for both sides as they prepare for European finals, and it showed. Here’s how JattvibeSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners at Selhurst Park.
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Premier League final day
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Kepa Arrizabalaga – 7
Made a superb save to deny a diving header from Daniel Munoz after he slipped away from Calafiori. Claimed every cross that went into his box well and didn’t put a foot wrong in distribution.
But there was to be no clean sheet as Jean-Philippe Mateta scored right in front of him.
Martin Zubimendi – 7
A surprise call by Arteta to deploy the Spaniard as a right-back. Only two players – David Raya and Declan Rice – have started more league games for Arsenal this season, so it was a curious display that might hint at how far he has fallen down the pecking order in the closing weeks of the campaign?
That being said, if this was a field test for the right-back spot ahead of next week Arteta could do worse on this evidence – with Zubimendi putting in an assured display in support of Madueke down the right wing.
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Cristhian Mosquera – 6
Like most of his games this season, Mosquera proved to be a more-than- capable defender when he has to step into the team.
Today was another one of those games and he looked assured throughout.
Piero Hincapie – 6
While left-back remains up for grabs next weekend, based on this display it’s safe to say Arteta won’t be changing his centre-back pairing next week. Showed his physicality well but lacked composure on the ball at times.
Moved to left-back at half-time when Gabriel was introduced.
Riccardo Calafiori – 5
It was a rather unimpressive game from Riccardo Calafiori who was hooked at half-time Credit: AP
Lost Munoz too easily in the opening 15 minutes and was only spared from conceding by a superb Kepa save.
Otherwise a largely solid but quiet display. Subbed at half-time.
Christian Nørgaard – 6
Making his full Arsenal league debut with his first start of the season, the midfield veteran wasted no time throwing his weight around.
Hooked at half-time.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7
Conducted the tempo of the Arsenal performance without being too flashy today.
Always made himself available for the ball and will surely start the Champions League final next week owing to his strong end to the season.
Max Dowman – 6
Max Dowman became the youngest ever Premier League starter today Credit: PA
Made history today as the youngest ever Premier League starter at 16 years and 144 days old.
Warmed into the game after struggling early on and produced a delightful touch around the corner into Martinelli’s path before he played in Jesus for the opener. Subbed for Merino after an hour.
Noni Madueke – 8
Named in the England squad on Friday and returned to the Arsenal starting XI. Should have had an assist when he played an incisive ball to slip Jesus in for a one-on-one, only for the Brazilian to fluff it. Jesus fluffed another superb cross to the far post was headed wide.
Scored with a superb volley moments into the second half from a Kai Havertz header. A display that perfectly encapsulates why he is going to the World Cup.
Gabriel Martinelli – 6
Had a chance to race through on goal but scuffed his shot early on. Played a perfectly weighted pass for Jesus to run on to before he opened the scoring.
Another game where he put in plenty of graft, but whether he has done enough to start over Leandro Trossard next week remains doubtful.
Gabriel Jesus – 6
Starting only his third game of the season and showed signs of rustiness. Was played through inside five minutes for a one-on-one but looked awkward as he hit the post. Was through again after 11 minutes but was thwarted by Dean Henderson.
Missed a third sitter after a delightful cross to the far post by Madueke. Finally broke the deadlock with a near-post shot just before half-time for his third goal of the season, but his wastefulness won’t do him any favours if he hopes to start in the Champions League final.
Subs
Kai Havertz (on for Norgaard, half-time) – 7
Got an assist from a corner moments after coming on. Only denied a goal by a superb block in front of the goalmouth.
Gabriel (on for Calafiori, half-time) – 7
Showed good strength to shield the ball when Evan Guessand tried to chase a long ball into the area.
Mikel Merino (on for Dowman, 61 mins) – 6
A quiet game as he returned from injury for his first league game since January.
Eberechi Eze (on for Jesus, 75 mins) – 6
Got a warm applause from the home fans when he went out to warm up in the first half. Was always a case of when he would come on and not if. Denied a goal in the last second on the line.
Viktor Gyokeres (on for Madueke, 83 mins) – 6
Had one run at the full-back down the right but didn’t really have time to make a mark.
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