Crystal Palace 1-3 Arsenal: 5 talking points as Gunners score twice in stoppage time to secure the win | Premier League 2020-21

#3 Crystal Palace players get lucky with VAR

Christian Benteke leveled the scoreline in the 62nd minute

At least two Crystal Palace players could have been sent off for reckless challenges on Arsenal players in the first 45 minutes. But the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) dismissed claims of possible violent conduct much to the annoyance of the Gunners.

Replays showed that Christian Benteke reacted physically to a comment made by Mohamed Elneny. But instead of issuing a red to the Belgian international, Anthony Taylor decided to give both players a yellow.

Paul Merson said on Sky Sports:

"He'd have got thrown out of a night club for that."

Rubbing salt on Arsenal's wounds, Benteke scored the equalizer for Crystal Palace in the 62nd minute and it looked almost as if they would be coming away with a point.

nothing to see here.... we getting fucked again. pic.twitter.com/WX1bgwV2VQ

— Rich (@FanboyRich) May 19, 2021

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#2 Gabriel Martinelli and Nicolas Pepe make a difference to the Arsenal team

Nicolas Pepe netted a brace against Crystal Palace

With Crystal Palace and Arsenal looking destined to share points, Martinelli, who came on in the 78th minute, scored a crucial goal to restore the Gunners' lead in the game.

Unmarked near the far corner of the goal, the Brazilian youngster received a great ball from Martin Odegaard and looped it over Vicente Guaita.

This boy 👇 pic.twitter.com/2AI4IuAL5D

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 19, 2021

Minutes later, Pepe netted his second goal against the Eagles to ensure that Arsenal return to North London with all three points.

While Mikel Arteta's side did not look totally convincing in the full 90 minutes, individual brilliance from Martinelli and Pepe proved to be the decision-maker in this London derby. Without the duo, Arsenal might have lost the game to Crystal Palace.

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#1 Arsenal make last-minute push for European football

Arsenal will play Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday

Tottenham's loss to Aston Villa earlier in the day gave Arsenal hopes of catching up with their arch-rivals.

For the final match of the season, the Gunners take on Brighton and Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium while Spurs will face a tough test against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium. At the same time, Everton will travel to the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City.

Arsenal still have a slim chance of qualifying for next season's Europa League, provided that the Toffees and Tottenham both lose their last game of the season and the Gunners beat the Saints.

Given that Arteta's side are on a four-match winning streak in the Premier League, they do not appear to be giving up at any moment and still stand a chance of playing European football next season.