(Football news) The Gunners succumbed to an embarrassing 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park with goals from Jean-Philippe Mateta, Jordan Ayew and Wilfried Zaha ensuring that the hosts won their first game against Arsenal in their stadium since 1980. The result means that Mikel Arteta’s team remain fifth in the Premier League despite having a game in hand over Tottenham who are fourth. With Manchester United as outside contenders for a Champions League spot, the North London derby between Spurs and Arsenal on May 12th could potentially be a very crucial fixture which would determine their fate for next season.
Former Gunner Patrick Vieira has done a commendable job at Palace, having only lost one game out of the last 11 in all competitions. Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta apologised to the Arsenal fans for the performance by saying “We were poor, especially in the first half. I apologise to our supporters. We didn't have the presence today or the composure to dominate the situation so that is what I'm most annoyed with. Some days you are not there and you are late all the time. They got on top of it and had a good atmosphere and we could not get out.”
In team news, Wilfred Zaha was selected in the starting XI despite picking up a hamstring injury during international duty while Vicente Guaita, Jeffrey Schlupp and Jordan Ayew returned to the starting lineup. For Arsenal, Aaron Ramsdale was back in the side after recovering from a groin issue and Nuno Tavares started ahead of Kieran Tierney who was absent from the squad. The hosts started off strongly and their aggressive approach meant that they won the second balls, resulting in the opening goal when Mateta headed home from close range.
Palace have not been beaten in a fixture in which they have failed to score first this season and Arsenal have an abysmal record of taking points from losing positions, with only Wolves having a worse record. It was not entirely surprising to see the hosts double their lead before the break with Ayew capitalising on a brilliant pass by Andersen to score his second goal in 55 Premier League appearances. With the game quickly slipping away, Arteta replaced the ineffective Tavares with Gabriel Martinelli in the second half.
Arsenal’s first real opportunity came at the 67th minute mark as Martin Odegaard fired wide despite only being 10 yards out and the Norwegian then went on to foul Zaha inside the penalty area. The winger went on to convert from the spot and secure a memorable three points for Crystal Palace. Speaking after the match, Patrick Vieira said “We played a really good game of football. We defended well and took our chances. We scored in important moments of the game. We needed a big team performance and we did it so we're really pleased.
We wanted to put pressure on and the atmosphere in the stadium allowed us to take that kind of risk. We were really smart with the way we defended from the front and took the chances to score goals. This football club is all about supporting the team and when we are at home we really feel that. The players were tired but the big difference is the atmosphere and the fans behind the players."
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