Four takeaways from Crystal Palace’s 3-0 win against Arsenal – Emphatic, clinical and professional as Vieira’s side dent the Gunners’ Champions League hopes

Goals from Jean-Philippe Mateta, Jordan Ayew and Wilfried Zaha sealed a 3-0 win for Patrick Vieira against his former side Arsenal and moved Crystal Palace into the top 10 of the Premier League.

Here are Edmund Brack’s four takeaways from Selhurst Park:

LIGHTNING DID NOT STRIKE TWICE AS PALACE’S START WAS FEROCIOUS 

The last time Palace went into the international break in the ascendancy and brimming with confidence in early November, their attacking swagger vanished, and they fell to four games without a win – they were a starkly different side.

The main concern heading into Monday night’s clash at Selhurst Park, with players jetting back from international duty with various knocks and niggles, was could the same intensity that saw the Eagles record six games unbeaten and a place in the FA Cup semi-final continue?

The question was answered with an emphatic yes by the 16th minute. With Conor Gallagher and Jordan Ayew hounding the opposition into needless mistakes from the first whistle, Palace were very much up for the occasion.

Their bright start was rewarded in the 16th minute when Gallagher’s free-kick bounced off Joachim Andersen, and Jean-Philippe Mateta reacted quickest inside the area and planted home his fourth of the season.

The fearless start saw Palace double their lead less than 10 minutes later.

While Andersen would be hard-pressed to find the most ardent Eagles fan who would have supported his claim for intentionally setting up Mateta for the opener, his pass to set Ayew free for the second was nothing short of world class.

The Ghanaian latched on to Andersen’s inch-perfect pass that cut Arsenal in two and guided a left-footed curler around Ramsdale to cap off an excellent first-half performance.

COMFORTABLE SECOND HALF AS PALACE SAW OUT THE JOB

While Mikel Arteta rolled the dice, changed formation and brought on pace, trickery and a goalscoring threat, nothing found a way past the gatekeepers of the Crystal Palace goal.

While the Eagles pressed relentlessly from the front, Jeffrey Schlupp and Cheikhou Kouyate double-locked the midfield door and denied Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka space to unlock the trio ahead of them.

Arsenal did create a clearer sight of goal as the second half played out – Martin Odegaard and Eddie Nketiah going close.

But the South Londoners defended valiantly to secure their fourth clean sheet in a row.

Wilfried Zaha eventually wrapped up all three points when he converted the second-half penalty, which he won, past the England goalkeeper.

Perhaps the most satisfying aspect of the victory is that absolutely nothing about it was surprising.

Conor Gallagher was pressing like a man possessed, you say? Not shocked one bit.

Jean-Philippe Mateta plundered another goal and worked tirelessly in his efforts? He continues to be a revelation.

Wilfried Zaha was excellent once again? This is on course to be his most productive season in front of goal.

Another game where the back four and goalkeeper all delivered assured performances? They are the benchmark that sets the bar for the side’s consistency right now.

MATETA’S SLIDING DOORS MOMENT

Watching Eddie Nketiah readying himself in the 66th minute to make an impact off the bench for Arsenal, my mind cast back to the winter window where Palace seriously considered signing the Lewisham-forward and allowing Jean-Philippe Mateta to depart.

Now the Frenchman, who was allowed to leave for his native country before his revival, is integral to everything in this side.

The 24-year-old, now the clear first choice to lead the line ahead of Christian Benteke and Odsonne Edouard, is jumping a foot taller, sprinting that 10 per cent faster and is bullying the opposition defence into needless mistakes.

There is something so unorthodox about his style of play that just fits Crystal Palace.

WILFRIED ZAHA – LEADING BY EXAMPLE

While Vieira was keen to wax lyrical over the growing maturity of his Palace side, Wilfried Zaha is the player dragging the team through games, driving the team up the pitch and scoring crucial goals at vital points of games.

Only Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Son Heung-min have more goals than the Palace talisman this season.

While his game has changed, and he is no longer a tricky winger who dances around the opposition on his route to goal, he has developed a ruthless streak and direct awareness this season.

Zaha recorded one goal, created one big chance, won one penalty, won three tackles, was fouled four times and completed four successful dribbles.

The 29-year-old is at a crossroads next summer with his contract drawing to an end, but Palace would be foolish not to try and keep their academy graduate at the club for the rest of his career. Maybe the fairytale is just starting its new chapter and not coming to an end.

PICTURES: ROB AVIS