Arsenal 2-2 Crystal Palace
When you are one of the established ‘big six’ clubs in the Premier League, and you are 2-0 at home inside nine minutes, you expect to see the game out.
In fact, after early goals from Sokratis Papastathopoulos and David Luiz – who capitalised on slack defending from two Nicolas Pepe corners in as many minutes – the SBOBET Premier League betting odds were firmly in the favour of the home side.
Then Arsenal did an ‘Arsenal’.
Highlights of the game
That, in fairness, is rather harsh to their opponents Crystal Palace who produced their own Premier League highlights and staged a fine fightback to claim a 2-2 draw which added to their 3-2 victory at the Emirates last season.
Yet all the failings of the North Londoners were in evidence once again.
The turning point arrived just after the half hour.
Initially, Wilfried Zaha was booked for diving but VAR correctly intervened –the inconsistency of VAR not always getting involved in cases like this is irritating – and referee Martin Atkinson’s decision was overturned.
Calum Chambers was adjudged to have fouled the talented winger and the dependable Luka Milivojevic confidently despatched the spot kick to reduce the arrears.
Arsenal never fully regained control after that and the equaliser arrived shortly after the interval – Jordan Ayew heading in at the back post from James McArthur’s cross.
VAR wasn’t finished there.
Eight minutes were remaining on the clock when another set-piece led to another Arsenal goal – or so we thought.
Pepe was again the instigator with a dangerous delivery and, after failing to clear, the ball fell to Sokratis who drilled home what he thought was his second and a possible winner.
However, after another long delay, VAR disallowed it for a foul by Chambers in the build-up.
The drama was still not over.
In stoppage time, goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey – Palace are a much better side with him between the sticks – made a terrific save to deny David Luiz and then tempers frayed as Zaha raced away and was pulled down by Matteo Guendouzi, who was cautioned as players from both sides got hot under the collar.
This was another impressive result for Palace away from home and the latest occasion in which Arsenal have thrown away/been pegged back after enjoying a two goal lead.
The talking point may yet not be about the comeback but the reception newly installed home captain Granit Xhakareceived after he was substituted on the hour.
The boos that rang around the Emirates would have been uncomfortable for boss Unai Emery but the Swiss midfielder hardly endeared himself to the fans – nor looked captain material – as he responded to the jeers by cupping his hand to his ear before removing his shirt and storming down the tunnel.
The scale of the vitriol was startling and it brought out the worst in Xhaka, who walked straight down the tunnel after gesticulating towards the crowd and appearing to mouth an obscenity.
Arsenal stay fifth but the issues which have hampered them over many seasons remain in place – many of them more mental than physical.
Key statistics
Milivojevic has scored five Premier League goals in six games against Arsenal, more than he has against any other side in the top flight.
Since his Premier League debut in February 2017, he has scored 21 penalties – more than twice as many as anyone else in that time.
Just 106 seconds separated Arsenal’s goals.
Since returning to Palace in 2014-15, Zaha has won a joint-high 16 penalties in the Premier League.
After winning 49 consecutive Premier League games when going two goals ahead, Arsenal have dropped points in each of the last two matches where they have taken a two-goal lead.
Ayew has netted four goals in his last eight Premier League games, as many as he managed in his previous 34.
Palace’s 3-2 win at the Emirates last season was their first at Arsenal since 1994.
Arsenal are unbeaten at home in this season’s Premier League, winning three of their five matches at the Emirates.
However, they have kept just one clean sheet in those games.
The Gunners haven’t lost a home league game in October since a defeat by Blackburn in 2002 (won 25, drawn six).
Palace have scored just nine goals in 10 league games this season – only strugglers Newcastle and Watford have fewer.
Only Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea have earned more Premier League points than Palace’s 45 in 2019.
What’s next?
Arsenal travel to Anfield to face Liverpool in the fourth round of the League Cup on Wednesday (October 30), before hosting Wolves in the Premier League next Saturday.
Palace host Leicester City in the league a week today.
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