Martinelli nets late brace as Arsenal thrash Palace 5-0

Gabriel Martinelli celebrates his first goal v Crystal Palace in London on Saturday. Pic/Getty Images

Arsenal breathed new life into their 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. Victory moves Mikel Arteta's men level with Manchester City and Aston Villa, two points behind leaders Liverpool. Arsenal had won just once in seven games prior to a two-week winter break.

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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 up front 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. Palace were largely restricted to pot shots from long range.

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