In the build-up to the game against the Gunner’s there seemed to be a consensus in the national media that the game would be a case of “how many goals?” for Arsenal. It turned out to be anything but that but did emphasise the harsh reality of the Premier League.
To have any chance of staying up Palace will need to convert opportunities when they come their way. Although limited, the Eagles did have chances to draw level with Arsenal but were unable to capitalise. They did find Wojciech Szczesny on top form which did not help matters and it was not through lack of trying, but the Eagles have struggled in front of goal this campaign.
Arsenal have made an impressive start to the season, other than the first game that supposedly was meant to have been the end of Arsene Wenger’s reign, and to go down to two second-half goals must give Palace some confidence because they matched and out-battled their opponents for large periods.
The Eagles were unable to take advantage of the extra man after Mikel Arteta’s sending off and found themselves on the wrong end of another penalty decision. Tottenham, Manchester United, Liverpool and now Arsenal have all been awarded penalties against Palace and handing these sorts of teams that kind of advantage must be addressed urgently.
With the step-up in level these sorts of things are punished more. The target for the squad now is to turn limited chances into goals but as is the case with the Premier League, it is going to be a difficult task in the next match away at West Brom.
Daniel Smith - @dmsmith1987
Source: PalaceMAD
Source: FOOTYMAD
