Saka brace sends Arsenal 8 points clear at top of EPL

Bukayo Saka scored a goal in each half to lead Arsenal to a convincing 4-1 win over rudderless Crystal Palace in their English Premier League (EPL) match at the Emirates on Sunday.

The young England international’s two goals and further strikes from Gabriel Martinelli and Granit Xhaka were enough to return the Gunners to winning ways following their midweek elimination from the Europa League.

Martinelli, who failed to score his penalty in the midweek shootout, opened the floodgates of goals with a fine finish into the top corner in the 27th minute after beating his marker for pace.

Saka ensured a two-goal lead at the break when he latched on to Ben White’s pass to plant his shot into the far corner.

Both sides traded chances with Xhaka making it 3-0 before Jeffery Schlupp poked home to reduce the deficit.

Saka settled the encounter with another well-placed finish from Kieran Tierney’s cutback to consign managerless Palace to their 13th match without a win.

Mikel Arteta’s side is now on 69 points from 28 matches, eight more than Manchester City who have played a game less.