Bukayo Saka inspires as Arsenal go eight points clear in race for Premier League title

Bukayo Saka once again starred as Arsenal cruised to victory over managerless Crystal Palace to open an eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League.

With closest challengers Manchester City in FA Cup action, Mikel Arteta’s side took full advantage, bouncing back from their Europa League exit on penalties at the hands of Sporting Lisbon to beat their London rivals 4-1.

Saka scored twice and set up the opener for Gabriel Martinelli, becoming the first Premier League player this season to reach double figures for both goals and assists.

Four years on since he swore at his own fans when his substitution in this fixture was cheered, Granit Xhaka’s fine season continued when he turned home the third after the interval.

Palace, who sacked former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira on Friday, at least got themselves on the scoresheet as Jeffrey Schlupp’s second-half consolation under caretaker manager Paddy McCarthy ended a near seven-hour scoreless run.

“The desire and the energy that we put in right from the beginning impressed me most,” Arsenal manager Arteta told BBC Sport.

“We were really determined and focused and left Thursday in the past. After playing 120 minutes, they have to come back here and do it again against a team with a lot of needs.

“Palace have not got the results lately but they have been very tough to beat. But we were dominant and deserved to win the game. Today, in the box when we had those openings, we defined the game in the right way.”

Goalscorer Martinelli added: “Very happy, we needed that win and as I always say, we approach the games as a final and we did that today.

“It was a good goal, good pass from B [Bukayo Saka]. I don't know if it was to me or someone else but it was a good finish with my