Sports
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace: Premier League – LIVE!
Arsenal have a massive chance to move further clear in the Premier League title race as they host managerless Crystal Palace in another key London derby this afternoon. With rivals Manchester City on FA Cup duty this weekend, the Gunners can extend their advantage at the top-flight summit to eight points going into the international break with a sixth successive league win.
Mikel Arteta will be looking for a swift reaction from his side after they were stunned by Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League on Thursday night, falling at home in the last-16 via the cruel lottery of a penalty shootout. They are heavy favourites to triumph here though and equal their entire points tally from last season with 10 games still to play, with Palace on their longest winless run since 2016.
The Eagles have still yet to win a league game in 2023 and sacked Gunners icon Patrick Vieira on Friday sitting just three points above relegation danger, with Under-21 coach Paddy McCarthy in temporary charge amid rumours over a shock return for Roy Hodgson. Follow Arsenal vs Crystal Palace live below, with expert analysis from Simon Collings at Emirates Stadium.
Live updates
Arsenal team news
Arsenal will be without William Saliba this afternoon after the French defender was substituted early against Sporting on Thursday with a back issue.
Reports from France yesterday claimed that the 21-year-old, yet to miss a Premier League game this season, was facing several weeks on the sidelines.
Takehiro Tomiyasu is also out after sustaining a serious-looking knee problem against Sporting, while Mohamed Elneny and Eddie Nketiah remain in the treatment room.
Standard Sport understands that 18-year-old defender Reuell Walters has been called into the senior squad today.
Gabriel Jesus should lead the line again after his first start for four months on Thursday, with his withdrawal at half-time versus Sporting all part of the plan.
His replacement in that match, Leandro Trossard, has also shaken off a groin problem.
Where to watch Arsenal vs Crystal Palace
TV channel and live stream: Today’s game will not be broadcast live on television in the UK.
Highlights: Match of the Day 2, however, will show highlights when it airs on BBC One at 10.30pm GMT on Sunday night.
Welcome to Arsenal vs Crystal Palace LIVE coverage!
Hello and welcome to the Evening Standard’s LIVE coverage of Arsenal vs Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
It’s a huge London derby in store at the Emirates Stadium this afternoon, with the Gunners looking to bounce back from their shock Europa League last-16 penalty shootout exit at the hands of Sporting Lisbon and take advantage of title rivals Manchester City being on FA Cup duty this weekend to take an eight-point lead at the top-flight summit into the international break.
Arsenal are strong favourites to dispatch miserable Palace, who have gone 11 league games without a win and have Under-21 coach Paddy McCarthy in temporary charge this afternoon with the decision taken to sack Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira on Friday.
The Eagles now sit just three points above the relegation zone having not tasted victory at all in 2023 and will be glancing very nervously over their shoulders if that dire run continues here.
Kick-off today is at 2pm GMT, so stay tuned for match build-up, live updates and all the latest team news and lineups. Expert analysis comes from Standard Sport’s Arsenal correspondent Simon Collings at the Emirates.
