Liverpool’s coronation as Premier League champions will have to wait a few more days, although it’s now only a matter of when, not if. In a match that could have represented a microcosm of their domestic season, Arsenal appeared to be heading towards a narrow victory over a dogged Crystal Palace side after Jakub Kiwior and Leandro Trossard cancelled out Eberechi Eze’s brilliant volley. But an uncharacteristic mistake from William Saliba allowed the substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta to equalise and earn a deserved point for Palace, who will now head to Wembley for their FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa on Saturday full of confidence.
Liverpool’s players had gathered to watch events unfold in north London knowing that a defeat would seal a record-equalling 20th league title with five games still to play. They now have a 12-point lead with a vastly superior goal difference, with a draw against Tottenham on Sunday all that is required to make it official. At least Arsenal – who look destined to end up as runners-up for a third year in a row – still have the consolation of their Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain next week.
