Crystal Palace 1-2 Arsenal Player Ratings: Noni Madueke 8.5/10 Volley Seals Arsenal Premier League Title Party as Champions Down Crystal Palace 2-1

Arsenal walked out at Selhurst Park as Premier League champions, and Crystal Palace gave them the guard of honour that the occasion deserved before the hosts set about the business of making the title party as entertaining as possible. Arteta made nine changes from the Burnley victory, giving fringe players their moment in the sun, and Dowman became the youngest-ever Premier League starter in a selection that underlined exactly why this squad's depth has been the foundation of their title triumph throughout a remarkable season.

Jesus squandered two clear early chances before finally finding his clinical edge in the 42nd minute, Martinelli's forward pass setting him free to strike a composed near-post finish past Henderson that gave Arsenal the half-time lead their xG of 1.11 had completely merited. Havertz's immediate half-time introduction made an impact within two minutes, heading Martinelli's corner back into the danger area for Madueke to meet with a clinical side-footed volley through the crowd, before Mateta's late header set up a nervy finale that Arsenal ultimately survived. Here are Sportsdunia's Crystal Palace vs Arsenal player ratings.

Key Takeaways

• Madueke was Arsenal's most dynamic and consistent threat throughout, with his clinical 48th-minute volley, constant direct running that forced repeated Palace retreats, and overall attacking intelligence, the defining contributions of a fringe player who took his final-day opportunity with the composure and confidence of someone determined to be part of the Champions League final squad that travels to face PSG.
• Jesus' composed near-post finish in the 42nd minute was a goal of real quality that belied the squandered opportunities earlier in the half. The Brazilian's persistence and movement throughout the first period were ultimately rewarded with the kind of instinctive, clinical strike that reminds Arteta exactly why he remains a valuable squad option at the highest level.
• Dowman's historic Premier League debut as the youngest-ever starter in the competition was the most significant individual storyline of a final-day that was otherwise defined by rotation, celebration, and the gradual unwinding of an extraordinary season, the teenager showing the composure and intelligent positional play that has had observers comparing his potential to Arsenal's finest academy products.

Arsenal Player Ratings vs Crystal Palace

Check out the Arsenal player ratings vs Crystal Palace.

Goalkeeper

Kepa Arrizabalaga - 6.5: We thought Kepa had a relatively straightforward day at the office. He wasn't tested much for large parts of the game. He made one important save inside the box and claimed a high ball with confidence. His distribution could have been better, with a few long balls going astray. He couldn't do much about the late goal conceded, but it denied him a clean sheet.

Defenders

Cristhian Mosquera - 7.0: A really solid outing from Mosquera. From our perspective, he looked composed on the ball, boasting a 94% pass accuracy. He was dominant in his tackles and made a crucial block. What stood out to us was his seven clearances, showing he was in the right place at the right time. He lost a few aerial duels, but overall it was a strong defensive performance.

Piero Hincapié - 6.5: Hincapié was tidy and efficient, keeping things moving from the back. He had a decent pass completion rate and even tested the keeper with a shot on target. However, we noticed he was dribbled past twice which is a slight concern. He made a couple of key interceptions, but it wasn't his most commanding performance.

Riccardo Calafiori - 6.5: Only on for the first half, so it's tough to give a full assessment. Calafiori was strong in the challenge, winning most of his duels. He kept possession well and didn't make any glaring errors. His substitution at halftime seemed tactical rather than performance-related. A solid, if short, appearance.

Martín Zubimendi - 6.5: Playing in a slightly deeper role, Zubimendi saw a lot of the ball. He dictated play from deep, but we felt he was a bit loose in possession at times, losing it 14 times. He created one chance and his passing into the final third was ambitious. Defensively, he wasn't tested too much, but he did his job.

Midfielders

Gabriel Martinelli - 7.5: A livewire performance from Martinelli. What stood out to us was his brilliant assist for the opening goal, a moment of real quality. He was a constant menace, creating two chances and completing three dribbles. He gave the Palace defenders a headache all afternoon. His decision-making was on point, and he was one of Arsenal's key creative sparks.

Christian Nørgaard - 6.5: A typical Nørgaard performance in the first 45 minutes. He was a disruptive force in midfield, making a couple of tackles and keeping the ball moving. He didn't do anything spectacular but provided a solid shield for the defense. His substitution was clearly a planned tactical change by Arteta.

Noni Madueke - 8.5: Absolutely the best player on the pitch. Madueke was electric from the first whistle to the last. He scored a fantastic goal early in the second half to give Arsenal breathing room. Beyond the goal, he created three chances, including two big ones, and was a nightmare to defend against. We noticed his confidence was sky-high, taking players on and making things happen. An easy Man of the Match and our highest-rated player.

Myles Lewis-Skelly - 7.0: A very mature and composed performance from the youngster. He was excellent at retaining possession and drew four fouls, relieving pressure on his team. He also put in a defensive shift, with five ball recoveries and an interception. He didn't set the world on fire offensively but his control in midfield was crucial for Arsenal.

Max Dowman - 6.5: A mixed bag for Dowman. On one hand, he showed flashes of brilliance, creating a big chance with a key pass. On the other, he was a bit careless, losing possession 11 times and being dispossessed four times. From our perspective, you can see the talent is there, but he needs to be more secure on the ball. An important learning experience.

Forwards

Gabriel Jesus - 7.0: A frustrating but ultimately productive day for the captain. He got the crucial opening goal and was unlucky to hit the post early on. However, missing three big chances is something that will surely disappoint him. He worked tirelessly but his finishing, aside from the goal, was not at its sharpest. A deserved yellow card for a cynical foul capped a mixed afternoon.

Substitutes

Kai Havertz: Came on at halftime and was involved, but couldn't find a breakthrough with several blocked shots.

Mikel Merino: Replaced Dowman and added some control, even having a speculative shot.

Eberechi Eze: A late cameo for Jesus to see the game out.

Viktor Gyokeres: Brought on for the star man Madueke for the final few minutes.

Gabriel Magalhães: Replaced Calafiori at halftime and helped see out the win with a professional display.

Manager

M. Arteta - 7.0: His game plan worked perfectly for about 85 minutes. His Arsenal team controlled the match, scored two good goals, and looked comfortable. The halftime changes were assertive. However, his team took their foot off the gas, allowing Crystal Palace back into it and setting up a needlessly nervy finish. A win is a win, but he'll want more control.

Crystal Palace Player Ratings vs Arsenal

Here are the Crystal Palace player ratings vs Arsenal.

Goalkeeper

Dean Henderson - 6.5: We thought Henderson did what he could. He made four saves, including three from inside the box, which prevented a bigger defeat. He couldn't be faulted for either of Arsenal's goals. His distribution was a major issue, though, completing only 36% of his passes. That put his team under pressure unnecessarily.

Defenders

Jefferson Lerma - 6.0: Played in defense and it showed. He was busy, making four interceptions and four clearances. However, he was caught out with an error that led to a shot, which is a major black mark. He struggled against the movement of Arsenal's forwards and looked uncomfortable at times.

Nathaniel Clyne - 6.5: A steady performance from the veteran. Clyne was tidy in possession and made six important clearances. He wasn't spectacular, but he was one of Palace's more reliable performers on a tough day. He held his own for the most part against Arsenal's tricky wingers.

Chadi Riad - 7.0: Palace's best defender in our eyes. Riad was everywhere, recovering the ball 10 times and making some crucial tackles and clearances. He read the game well and was aggressive in the duel. He even got forward to test the keeper with a shot. A really promising performance despite the result.

Midfielders

Daniel Muñoz - 5.5: A day to forget for Muñoz. He had a golden opportunity to score but his header was saved, a big chance missed. He was largely anonymous otherwise and was rightly hooked at halftime. A really disappointing 45 minutes where he offered very little.

Daichi Kamada - 6.0: Another player who only lasted the first half. Kamada struggled to get on the ball and influence the game. He was neat in his passing but failed to create anything of note. He was simply bypassed by the Arsenal midfield and his withdrawal was no surprise.

Will Hughes - 6.5: A battling performance from Hughes. He was one of the few Palace players who tried to take the game to Arsenal. He won most of his duels and tried to get forward, but he was fighting a losing battle for much of the game. He never stopped running.

Rio Cardines - 6.0: He showed some promise, creating a big chance for a teammate. However, the negative side of his game was more prominent. From our perspective, he lost possession far too often and was dribbled past three times. It was a tough assignment for him against superior opposition.

Forwards

Ismaïla Sarr - 5.5: Completely ineffective. Sarr barely had a touch in his 45 minutes on the pitch. He offered no threat and was easily contained by the Arsenal defence. It was a performance that screamed for a halftime substitution, and he got it.

Jørgen Strand Larsen - 6.0: A thankless task for the big striker. He was physically battered by the Arsenal center-backs, losing nine duels. He fought hard but was completely isolated and starved of service. He had one shot off target but was otherwise a non-factor in an attacking sense.

Justin Devenny - 6.5: Looked like one of the few who might make something happen for Palace. He was energetic and won a good number of his duels. However, his final ball was lacking and he was prone to losing possession in dangerous areas. A decent effort but without the required quality.

Substitutes

Tyrick Mitchell: Came on and provided more defensive stability than Muñoz.

Adam Wharton: Brought on to add some control in midfield.

Yeremi Pino: Was very active and thought he'd scored a late equaliser, only for VAR to cruelly rule it out for offside.

Evann Guessand: Added some energy but couldn't change the result.

Jean Philippe Mateta: The commentary was confusing, but he was listed as coming on late and provided the late goal that set up a tense finale.

Manager

O. Glasner - 6.0: His initial setup at Selhurst Park was all wrong, and he admitted as much with four halftime changes. The team looked much better and more competitive in the second half. They nearly snatched an unlikely point in this Premier League fixture. He gets credit for the second-half reaction but blame for the poor start.

Man of the Match

Noni Madueke was the man of the match.

Worst Performer

Ismaïla Sarr was the worst performer.