Though it’s clear the importance for the remainder of the season is on the Champions League, the Premier League fixtures remain and as Mikel Arteta said, consistency in the league is key for momentum and confidence.
Oliver Glasner’s side are one of the League’s most in-form and organised teams, able to soak up pressure before hitting teams on the counter and Arsenal learnt this the hard way
Though Arsenal made it 12 games unbeaten, another draw paints a picture of a team that has lots of the ball but should score more goals.
A welcome set-piece goal from Jakob Kiwior and a neatly taken finish from Leandro Trossard were cancelled out by two brilliant goals from Eberechi Eze’s and Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Here are five things we learnt from the game:
1. Jakub Kiwior Renaissance
Since coming into the team, Jakub Kiwior has stepped up his game massively. He was rock solid vs Real Madrid and proved to be a threat in the air vs Crystal Palace.
Gabriel is one of the best defenders in the world and it was a huge loss for Arsenal that another key player in red hot form got injured.
After the Brazilian was injured, Arteta defiantly said ‘we can cope’. The greatest compliment to pay to the Pole is that, Gabriel’s presence has not been missed with Kiwior slotting in well.
It’s not been easy at all and his performances need praising.
2. Arsenal Setting the Tempo
There is less jeopardy in the season, though it is not pretty and the games are much more dull, Arsenal set the tempo throughout the game and cut through Crystal Palace’s press often.
Arsenal are a team that can dial into different versions of themselves and at the Emirates in particular the issue has been that Arsenal are good at dictating the tempo but not necessarily penetrative.
In games like this where the Gunners managed to get their noses in front, the slower, more patient game from Arteta’s side is advantageous.
Though the Gunners are good at setting the tempo, it would be good if they killed teams off. Though the draw in the grand scheme of things doesn’t matter so much, Arsenal would not want to get drawn into a Champions League race.
3. Mistake in Defence Again
Conceding the goal vs Real Madrid didn’t matter in the end, but the manner in which they conceded would’ve infuriated Arteta.
Jean-Philippe Mateta’s second goal was a fabulous finish, but another goal conceded because of sleeping at the back in defence is poor.
When you consider the manner in which PSG press it’s even more worrying. There was no danger around William Saliba for the goal and yet the ball was sloppily given away and allowed Crystal Palace to score again.
4. Crystal Palace’s dangerous counters
Arsenal fell asleep and almost let the game get away from them. Champions League qualification is basically secured but it will alarm Arteta that his side was susceptible to Crystal Palace’s counter-attacks throughout the game.
Ismaila Sarr and Eze stretched Arsenal wide with Mateta making runs in behind.
It’s something PSG’s attack can look to exploit and do better than the English side.
There were times towards the end when crosses from wide were troubling Arsenal and they could’ve lost, which would have been huge for momentum and confidence.
There is no getting past it, Arsenal have struggled against teams who sit deep and counter this season and it’s a major problem for Arteta to solve for next season.
5. All Eyes on PSG
The biggest game of Arsenal’s season awaits in six days and the biggest game of Arteta’s career.
This was not the most ideal preparation as Arsenal would’ve wanted a routine win. The game all but confirms Liverpool’s title win and allows them to win the title in their own stadium, but Arsenal clearly had their minds set on PSG as they have bigger fish to fry.
The same defensive mistakes and lack of a fast tempo can not occur against one of the best sides in Europe and one of the deadliest attacks.
Everything rides on the Champions League to salvage the season, making the game more important, more intense and more nerve-wracking.
For Arsenal to beat PSG over two legs, their attacking penetration needs to be better than it was vs Crystal Palace.
