As the clock ticked by, Arsenal pressed again, a patient black wave rolling forward as passes were exchanged across the middle of the pitch.
Declan Rice swept a ball into the channel, looking for Saka, whose first touch carried him near the touchline.
The Palace defenders tracked back hurriedly, their fans urging them to close ranks as the ball bobbled out of reach, rolling into touch for an Arsenal throw.
Saka retrieved it quickly, wiping his palms against his shorts before lifting his head.
Izan was already there, trotting over with his arm raised, calling for it, and the understanding was almost wordless.
Saka threw it short, chest height, and Izan cushioned the ball down on his chest, prepared to spin into the space he had seen before anyone else.
But just as the ball dropped, a sudden jolt came crashing into his back, the weight of a boulder slamming into him at full stride.
The contact was brutal, unexpected and intentional.
