Bakayo Saka Stars As Rampant Arsenal Move Eight Points Clear

Arsenal surged eight points clear at the top of the Premier League as Bukayo Saka's brace inspired a 4-1 rout of Crystal Palace on Sunday. Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring in the first half at the Emirates Stadium to put the leaders on course for a sixth successive league victory. It was redemption for Martinelli, whose missed penalty condemned Arsenal to Europa League last 16 defeat in their shoot-out against Sporting Lisbon on Thursday. Mikel Arteta's side needed just 45 minutes against struggling Palace to erase the bitter taste of that loss. Saka followed Martinelli's goal by doubling Arsenal's lead before half-time.

Granit Xhaka netted the third after the interval and Jeff Schlupp's reply was no consolation as the influential Saka's second capped Arsenal's stylish display.

Arsenal now have a substantial eight-point lead over second placed Manchester City, who took the weekend off from Premier League duty to thrash Burnley in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday.

With a game in hand on Arsenal and a crucial clash with the Gunners looming on April 26, Pep Guardiola's champions will still believe they can win a fifth title in six seasons.

But heading into the international break, Arsenal have ensured the fate of the title race will be in their hands in the final 10 games.

"I'm really pleased with the way we reacted after the Sporting game. We showed a lot of determination," Arteta said.

"It feels very good, especially with the way we have played and the results we have picked up.

"The desire and energy impressed me. They must come back from the international break with the same mindset they had before."

Arteta reserved special praise for Saka, who is the first player to reach at least 10 goals and 10 assists in