Arsenal vs Crystal Palace analysis: Five conclusions from draw at the Emirates
Arsenal experienced a frustrating outcome at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night, as a determined Crystal Palace secured a draw against the home team.
The Gunners went into the game full of confidence after a convincing 4-0 victory over Ipswich on Sunday.
But in a disappointing home fixture against Palace, Mikel Arteta’s side settled for a 2-2 draw.
Jakub Kiwior scored the opening goal, but Eberechi Eze levelled the score. Leandro Trossard put the Gunners ahead before half-time and in the second half, William Saliba's mistake allowed Jean-Philippe Mateta to equalise.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Stephen Oladehinde outlines five key lessons drawn from the Gunners' encounter with the Eagles.
Kiwior’s importance in defence
One player who has stepped up his game in the absence of Gabriel Magalhães is Kiwior. The defender has put no foot wrong since coming in to partner Saliba.
He played an important role in Arsenal’s 2-2 draw against Palace, making some vital interceptions and blocks in the game.
The defender also complemented his effort with a goal in the third minute of the first half after heading in an inswinging set piece past the goalkeeper.
Trossard’s link-up play
The involvement of Trossard in Arsenal's build-up against Palace was one major advantage in breaking down the visitors.
The forward mostly drops deep into the midfield to receive the ball, with his movement drawing out one of the defenders to create a space for an easy passing lane.
This movement led to the second goal of the game, as he dropped into the centre to create space and later received the ball from Jurrien Timber in the box before cutting to his left foot and striking the ball into the net.
Tactical switch (drawing Palace out of their low block)
Arsenal's tactical flexibility, orchestrated by Thomas Partey's pivotal role in midfield, was a key feature of their gameplay.
In possession, Arteta’s men seamlessly transitioned into a 3-4-3 formation. This structural change involved the fullbacks pushing high and inverting into central midfield areas.
This tactic added more numbers in midfield, allowing them to dictate the tempo, control possession more effectively, and offer more passing options to progress the ball through the final thirds.
The increased central presence also aimed to disrupt the opposition's defensive shape and create spaces in wider areas for the remaining attackers.
When out of possession, Arsenal adopted a compact 4-5-1 structure. This defensive shape aims to deny the opposition space and time on the ball in the midfield.
The five-man midfield line worked to restrict passing lanes and prevent Crystal Palace's attackers from finding clear opportunities to shoot on goal.
This tactical discipline showed Arteta's attention to detail in both attacking and defensive phases, with a clear plan to control the game both with and without the ball.
William Saliba's costly error
Saliba’s significant and ultimately game-altering error against Crystal Palace proved to be a costly mistake for the Gunners.
The defender's misjudgment of the situation directly led to a goal for the opposition, shifting the momentum of the match and impacting the final result.
Despite being a key defender for Arsenal this season and demonstrating impressive performances, he has shown a tendency to lose concentration during games.
The French international has shown a pattern of errors, with the most recent occurring against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League second-leg semi-final clash.
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Aerial duel issues
Arsenal's failure to effectively manage aerial duels proved to be a significant vulnerability throughout the match.
Palace's attackers consistently gained an advantage over Arsenal's defenders, particularly Kiwior and Saliba, in aerial contests.
This dominance in the air allowed the Eagles to generate several dangerous scoring opportunities.
The introduction of Mateta and Ismaïla Sarr in the second half added to this issue considerably.
The fresh attacking duo caused significant problems for the Arsenal defence, further exploiting their weakness in aerial battles and creating numerous threatening chances.
Their physicality and aerial prowess added a new dimension to Oliver Glasner's side attack, leaving Arsenal struggling to cope.
Conclusion
The draw with Crystal Palace, though a setback, offered valuable lessons for Arsenal.
To improve, the Gunners must become more clinical in front of goal, inject more pace into their play, and continue to maintain a strong defence.
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