Arsenal's hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League suffered a blow on Monday night as they lost 3-0 to Patrick Vieira's Crystal Palace.
Goals from Jean-Philippe Mateta, Jordan Ayew and Wilfried Zaha secured an impressive win for Palace in front of a buoyant Selhurst Park to deal a blow to Mikel Arteta's side. The Gunners included a fresh young star in their squad for the game as 18-year-old academy graduate Marcelo Flores was named among the substitutes.
While the young Mexican midfielder didn't get on the pitch, he has enjoyed a highly impressive time at the club's Hale End academy to date. And a new date has been set for January's postponed north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.
Here are Mirror Football's latest Arsenal headlines.
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Crystal Palace talking points
Crystal Palace recorded a shock 3-0 Premier League victory over Arsenal at Selhurst Park on Monday night to dent the visitors’ top-four hopes.
Jean-Philippe Mateta and Jordan Ayew put the Eagles in control after 24 minutes and Wilfried Zaha’s second-half penalty added deserved gloss to the score for the hosts, who extended their unbeaten run to seven matches in all competitions and moved up to ninth in the table. Arsenal will remain in fifth place, behind Spurs on goal difference but with a game in hand on their rivals.
It was a match full of talking points, and Mirror Football has all the big flashpoints covered.
Wonderkid profiled
Hale End academy graduate Marcelo Flores was named on the bench for the Premier League loss to Crystal Palace.
The youngster, who was born in Canada but has represented Mexico at youth level, has been in impressive form for the U18s, contributing an impressive six goals and two assists in 11 appearances. A number of fine displays have led to the player being promoted through the ranks at the Emirates and a full debut could now be right around the corner.
The electric midfielder has certainly caught Mikel Arteta’s attention, and there is no reason why he cannot be the latest player to make the step up to the Arsenal first-team from the club's highly successful Hale End academy.
Derby date set
January's postponed north London derby has now been rearranged – and will take place 10 days before the end of the season.
Spurs leapfrogged Arsenal in the Premier League table on Sunday as they thumped newly-rich Newcastle United 5-1, although the Gunners still have a game in hand on their rivals as they aim to finish in the top four and qualify for next season's Champions League. With the north London rivals vying for the final Champions League place, the rearranged derby could have huge consequences over both clubs' final league position.
The game will now take place on Thursday, May 12, with both sides knowing a win could seal their Champions League fate.
