Leaders Arsenal beat Crystal Palace 4-1 to extend gap on top

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - English Premier League leaders Arsenal bagged a 4-1 home win against mid-table Crystal Palace in a Sunday match to go eight points clear at the top of the division.

Gabriel Martinelli scored the opener with a left-footed strike for Arsenal in the 28th minute at Emirates Stadium, London.

Gunners' English star Bukayo Saka scored a double in the 43rd and 74th minutes to make a significant contribution for the win. Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka finished in the area to add one goal for Arsenal.

Jeffrey Schlupp scored the only goal for Crystal Palace in the second half.

Gunners had their sixth win in a row, and they will face Leeds United at Emirates Stadium on April 1 following the international break.

Arsenal, who are aiming to become the English champions for the first time since 2004, boosted their points to 69 in 28 league matches.

Second-place Manchester City have 61 points but they have a game in hand.

Crystal Palace, who fired French manager Patrick Vieira on Friday for poor results, are in the 12th spot with 27 points.