MY ACCOUNT
Arsenal’s top-four hopes were dented by a 3-0 defeat to an impressive Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Monday.
The Gunners were unable to reclaim their spot in the Premier League top four having been leapfrogged by arch-rivals Tottenham, who defeated Newcastle United 5-1 on Sunday.
They struggled to cope with the intensity of Palace – coached by former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira – and shipped goals to Jean-Philippe Mateta and Jordan Ayew in quick succession in the first half.
After failing to take the chances that came their way, Arsenal were punished by a 74th-minute spot-kick from Wilfried Zaha that ended their hopes of mounting a late comeback.
Arsenal had the lion’s share of possession in the opening quarter of an hour but they fell behind when Mateta nodded Joachim Andersen’s cushioned header into the back of the net.
Palace doubled their lead eight minutes later when Gabriel Magalhaes failed to cut out Andersen’s throughball to Ayew, who curled a fine finish into the bottom-left corner from the edge of the box.
Arteta replaced Nuno Tavares with Gabriel Martinelli at half-time and shifted Granit Xhaka to left-back but the Gunners still looked ponderous when attacking.
They were found wanting when chances did come their way too. Emile Smith Rowe produced a tame effort when presented with a decent opportunity and in the 67th minute Martin Odegaard failed to hit the target from 12 yards out.
Those misses proved costly when, after a long delay, referee Paul Tierney pointed to the spot following Odegaard’s tackle on Zaha in the box and the Ivory Coast winger dispatched the resulting penalty.
Eddie Nketiah struck the upright with a swirling attempt in the closing stages but Palace continued to frustrate the Gunners until the final whistle.
What does it mean? Gunners’ grip weakens
Arsenal saw a run of five straight away wins in the Premier League come to an end in south London.
They sit below Spurs on goal difference but can take solace in the fact they still have a game in hand.
Palace, meanwhile, moved up to ninth and are now unbeaten in seven straight games in all competitions – a run that has also seen them reach the FA Cup semi-finals.
Zaha shines
The relentless running of Zaha made Palace a significant threat on the break but also played a part in them keeping a clean sheet. His efforts were rewarded with a goal from the 18th penalty he has won in his Premier League career – only Raheem Sterling (23) and Jamie Vardy (21) have won more.
Nuno no good
After failing to even challenge Andersen on the assist for the opening goal, Tavares did not track the run of Ayew on the second. He was deservedly hooked by Arteta at half-time.
What’s next?
Arsenal entertain Brighton and Hove Albion at Emirates Stadium on Saturday, while Palace travel to Leicester City the following day.
