Roy Hodgson’s farewell match at Selhurst Park ended in a last-gasp defeat as Gabriel Martinelli latched onto fellow substitute Martin Odegaard’s cross to convert from close range on 91 minutes before Nicolas Pepe coolly rolled in Arsenal’s third four minutes later. Christian Benteke’s diving header from Andros Townsend’s free-kick had levelled for the home side after Pepe had volleyed in to finish off a neat Arsenal move. Up until the 90th minute, Arteta’s side had been largely poor and it looked as if a fairly miserable season was petering out without much incident.

The Gunners have lost a club record-equalling 13 games in a 38-game season but Martinelli and Pepe’s goals gave their side a lifeline in the quest for European football next season. But they will need results to go their way if they are to finish seventh and claim a place in next season’s inaugural Europa League Conference competition. Despite failing to offer significant attacking threat for much of the contest, they ended up scoring with all three of their shots on target. On-loan Odegaard started the game on the bench and his future in doubt but the Real Madrid man proved his effectiveness with a delightful cross which Martinelli converted.

Arsenal’s excellent late-season form has seen them collect their fourth straight league win for the first time since 2018 and they will go into Sunday’s match against Brighton full of optimism. Arsenal picked up their first Premier League victory against Crystal Palace since January 2018, having been winless in five against the Eagles prior to today. Arsenal have won four consecutive Premier League games under Mikel Arteta for the very first time.