Unai Emery says Arsenal’s 2-2 draw at Crystal Palace represented a decent result even though his side dropped points in the Premier League for the first time since August.
The Gunners looked leggy at the back and disjointed in the final third at the end of a long week as two penalties by Luka Milivojevic cancelled out strikes from Granit Xhaka and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to end our 11-game winning streak.
The result leaves Arsenal in fourth place in the Premier League table although with Manchester City taking on Sp*rs at Wembley tomorrow that could change ahead of Saturday’s clash with Liverpool.
“I am disappointed with the result, but our work is good,” he told Sky Sports.
“It’s a hard match. When they need to push with their supporters, it’s not easy. I think this draw is not bad for us, it’s better to win, but looking at the 90 minutes it’s also two teams that deserved this result.
“Two penalties against us is a difficult action for the defence, but the attitude from Xhaka, I love that attitude because he’s a midfielder playing left-back. Also, he’s better in the middle. But the attitude of every player and above all from him [is good, I have nothing bad to say].
“We need to be competitive in every match. I think today the team was competitive for 90 minutes, but also, we need to impose the ball and possession, it’s not easy against them. We need the balance.
“After 1-2 we are on for a good result, they push on the pitch and demand from us different things. I knew around 60-70 minutes, we need another goal to be calm with the ball on the pitch. And not to let them have chances for the opposition. The team has a very good attitude, this draw is not bad. We’ll continue on our way.”
Emery was also asked why Granit Xhaka had celebrated with him after levelling the scores with a stunning free-kick. The Spaniard revealed it was down to a conversation had at half-time.
“At half time we spoke about this situation and his quality on free-kicks and his crossing,” said Emery.
“I told him to try the crosses the free-kicks. I pushed him and he did that. But every player can do different situations on the pitch and he can do that.”
It explains why Xhaka went to him after the goal.
…
On another note, it’s due time to bench Mustafi.
This is ridiculous.
Sokting
Holdatis…
Papading, holdopoulos
Holdapastapopolous
12 game unbeaten run and still it’s mustafi’s fault.
Not mutually exclusive.
Sooner we are rid of him the better – he’s not simply not good enough.
@George Not true, other than his moments of madness, there is a very good defender in Mustafi. Maybe someone need to show him hours upon hours of footage comparing when to dive into a tackle and when not to. I know, you’d argue it’s a basic thing that every defender must know but other than this flaw, Mustafi has a good all round game. Emery can definitely make him into a better defender. We ought to wait a season at least.
Feels good when these things come together. Strengthens the players’ faith in the manager.
Sometimes a slap in the face wakes you up. We should this result to keep us hungry and motivated
I think it’s worth saying what a cracking free kick that was from Xhaka.
That green kit!? Welbeck for Ozil??
Chelsea, 2-2, Özil replaced at the 60′, soon after we lose 3-2. Today 2-1 for us, Özil leaves, final 2-2. I don’t say that with Özil we would have kept the results. I just say that it’s maybe more than a coincidence. Let’s see at the end of the season.
I know Ozil wasn’t gray today but I was surprised that he was subbed as I was with Aubameyang. I think Iwobi should have come off as well as Lacazette and would have put Mkhitaryan on rather than Ramsey. For once I think Emery got it wrong
He is going to get it wrong . That’s part of the process. It’s not going to be easy. It’s a test for Emery as Well. One thing is for sure , change is coming, it’s here. We are fighting.
Some players look a bit leggy today.
No surprise considering impact from last Monday and then commitment midweek and Emery electing not to risk Europa with a weaker team.
Whether this is a point earned or 2 dropped will depend on subsequent games including the upcoming tough fixtures versus Spurs and Liverpool.
Personally, I am quite happy with a point. We didn’t do much going forward all day. A leggy, tired performance was to be expected at some point. I remember not too long ago losing 3-0 to Palace and the players being booed off the pitch, at least this time around we stuck in there and showed something ‘more’. I do remember Guendouzi cynically bringing down one of their players just inside our half – begs the question that if a young kid sees it, acknowledges it and does it, why doesn’t an experienced international centre half…..
I agree. I do think Laca should have been subbed instead of Ozil though. Easy to say in hindsight, I know.
when koscielny goes in January, holding will be our best centre back, so lets hope emery can get some of HIS own defenders in, because sokratis and lichsteiner are just not good enough for a top team like arsenal
still reminds me of Matthew McConaughey. MURPH!
It’s a stretch but I kind of see it