Gunners

The Gunners, aiming to become champions for the first time since 2003-04, went ahead at Emirates Stadium through Gabriel Martinelli’s left-footed strike.

It was his sixth goal in six league matches.

Bukayo Saka doubled the lead in the 43rd minute, finoshing off abcurling pass from Brn White.

Granit Xhaka made it 3-0 with a first-time finish from Leandro Trossard’s assist, before Jeffrey Schlupp pulled one back from close range following a corner for Palace’s first goal in five matches.

The Gunners had been knocked out of the last Champions League qualification spot by north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur earlier on Monday (NZ time) after they beat Leicester City.

Son Heung-min struck twice after Harry Kane had opened the scoring as Spurs bagged a 3-1 at home.

But Arsenal responded to the pressure with a third consecutive victory to give them the edge in what has become a two-horse race for fourth place.

Arsenal have 63 points from 34 games with Tottenham on 61 points, also with four games left to play.