Result: Crystal Palace 1-1 Arsenal
Competition: Premier League
Date: 11 January 2019
Venue: Selhurst Park
Starting XI: Leno, Maitland-Niles, David Luiz, Sokratis, Kolasinac, Torreira, Xhaka, Ozil, Pepe, Lacazette, Aubameyang
Subs: Martinez, Holding, Guendouzi, Willock, Nelson, Saka, Martinelli
Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang scored and was sent off as Arsenal squandered a first half advantage to draw 1-1 with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
The Gabon international polished off a neat move on 12 minutes to reward our early dominance but the home side slowly worked their way back into the game and equalised through Jordan Ayew’s deflected shot not long after the break.
The Gunners had to play the final 23 minutes with ten men when VAR upgraded an initial yellow card to red for an Aubameyang foul on Max Meyer. In the closing stages, Sokratis made a goal-line clearance and Pepe hit the post but neither side could find a winner.
Pre-game
Having rung the changes for the FA Cup clash with Leeds United, Mikel Arteta reverted to the starting lineup that so impressed in the first half against Manchester United on New Year’s Day. Despite his goal-scoring contribution on Monday, and suggestions his work-rate might be better suited to combating Wilfried Zaha, Reiss Nelson had to make do with a place on the bench. Pepe joined Laca and Auba up front. The average age of our subs was 21.
First half
Arsenal started the game with real intent, winning a corner inside the opening minute and then penning in the home side after that with crisp, incisive passing. In contrast, the home side seemed passive and very happy to let us have the ball. It certainly worked to our advantage.
Despite the very windy conditions, Luiz, like an American Football quarterback, repeatedly sprayed passes out to the flanks. Kolasinac and Aubameyang, operating on the left, were the beneficiaries of the tactic, often collecting the ball in space and then darting inwards towards goal.
If there was a criticism, we were perhaps a little slow in our build-up play. That was until the 13th minute, when a Luiz fizzed a ball to Ozil who in turn flicked the ball to Lacazette. The Frenchman took a touch to get the ball out of his feet and slipped in Auba who took one touch and calmly tucked home. We made 18 passes in the build-up. (1-0)
Pepe’s quick feet worked space for a chance to double the lead but a final heavy touch, despite flooring Cahill, allowed keeper Guaita to gather.
Torreira took out the Ivorian, who’d been given a dirty little nudge by compatriot Zaha, trying to win a header on the edge of our box. Both players required treatment. When play restarted, the home side wanted the Uruguayan to return the drop ball to the home side. He was under no instruction to do so from the ref and chose to keep it. That sparked an angry reaction from the Selhurst Park regulars, who’d been muted up to that point. The home side reacted to the noise and upped the pressure.
By and large, we were comfortable in defence although Kouyate did wriggle through a couple of challenges to curl an effort that Leno caught at the second time of asking. In the closing moments of the half Kolasinac also produced a fine bit of defending to ward off Ayew at the back post.
Second half
Mikel Arteta was forced into a switch at the break with Matteo Guendouzi replacing Lucas Torreira who must have picked up a knock. The game was scrappy, but there was no doubting that Palace had the better of things. We couldn’t really string any passes together and resorted to more niggly fouls.
It was from a free-kick on 54 minutes that the home side equalised. As the Gunners set-up to defend a lofted ball into the box, the Eagles instead worked it to the right and from there fashioned a cross to Kouyate who played in Ayew. The Ghanaian got off a shot that took a huge deflection off David Luiz and looped over Leno. It wasn’t pretty but Selhurst Park didn’t care. (1-1)
Things went from bad to worse 10 minutes later when Aubameyang made contact with the ankle of Max Meyer right on the touchline. Referee Tierney initially dished out a yellow card but after a three minute VAR review, he upgraded to a red. There’s no doubting it was a poor challenge from our captain but it still seemed harsh given how innocuous the incident had looked in real-time. Meyer, after treatment, was substituted by Roy Hodgson. Arteta reacted by removing the ineffective Ozil and sending on the energy of Martinelli.
Unsurprisingly, the home side looked the more likely to grab a winner in the closing stages and were it not for a goal-line stop by Sokratis, Tomkins might have put them ahead on 77 minutes. The Greek did just enough to scramble the ball away with Leno stranded.
We rallied. With eight minutes remaining, Martinelli crossed for Lacazette who quickly fed Pepe to shoot low and hard across the keeper. The effort crashed off the post. Lacazette looked destined to tuck home the rebound but he couldn’t beat Guaita who pounced at his feet to claim the ball. Replays showed the Spanish keeper had actually made a great stop on both occasions.
Four minutes of stoppage time were nervy. Zaha went down in the box under pressure from Martinelli but even after a VAR check we were safe. At the other end, Pepe had a great chance to play in Xhaka but his pass was cut out.
Another draw, our 10th this season, doesn’t really help our quest to push up the league but at least we showed character after the red card. The big worry for Arteta is how we’ll cope without Aubameyang.
Why do we always ease off after scoring our first goal? Played so well for the first 15 mins and then that was it. Cheap unnecessary fouls all the way through and then Auba with the worst. What was he thinking?!
In fairness, Auba’s tackle only really looks bad on the close up replays. Wasn’t aggressive or out of control, just missed the ball and caught Meyer’s ankle. Stupid tackle.
We would have gone mental if one of their players did that to Auba and only got a yellow. He could have broken Meyers ankle. Tomkins on Martinelli was borderline red but blogs is flat out wrong in this one – shocking challenge even if he didn’t mean it
Yes we would, because we are tribal fans. But if you look at the challenge objectively it was not a wild lunge, both feet were not off the floor and it was not malicious in any way. It was merely a clumsy challenge by a striker. I feel sorry for the guy who was injured but you can’t hand out cards based on how injured the opposition is.
Agree mate. Aubameyang tackle was an obvious red.
I’ve seen two ruthless scissor tackles recently on Pepe one injuring him. I’m not defending Auba it’s a red. Consistency would be nice.
As to the game very hard to stay awake. Gone from a game where the ref just played on to one where the pea was being blown out of the whistle. Stop, start, stop,start.
Absolutely dreadful game, after a while the ref has to start ignoring the limited contact and just get on with the game.
A point after playing a man down For last 20 minutes is not the end of the world I suppose.
Thats how I saw the game too. Macarthy and aye just bent their knees and dropped to the floor as soon as they got the ball and waited to be touched. Ref bought it every time. Then they sent everyone up for the big punt. That was their entire game plan which is quite sad really. They didn’t even look dangerous with. I think the biggest issue for us was coping with the wind, destroys a technical game both passing and dribbling.
The problem of attacking players trying to defend… Many SHOUT for them to defend but they do not know how to do and to time a good tackle. Point.
No disrespect to Guendouzi but as soon as I saw that substitution I felt we might struggle second half.
That’s why I am absolutely irked! Stupid Ayew was allowed to catch Torriera late twice in the first half without repercussions! The refereeing in this league got to be one of worst around.
The issue is the wild inconsistency even in a game.
it wasn’t just Ayew. we weren’t allowed to win it back with a challenge. it had to be an interception or the ref would blow. Every time. But of course they could win it with a little foul here and there and it was good enough for the ref.
To be honest, we have struggled for the second half of the first halftime already, with Torreira on the pitch. We need to stop looking for one individual to blame. We didn’t have a shot on target from the goal until Pepe’s chance in the last minutes. That has nothing to do with the fact that one player is on the pitch or not. We seem to get too comfortable as soon as some things are going good and too less confident as soon as some things go bad. Has been this way under Wenger, under Emery, under Freddie and… Read more »
ironic considering we were already struggling in the later stages of the first half. when you look carefully, Auba, Laca, Pepe, Ozil, none of them could hold onto the ball for a couple of touches or even pass to a teammate. Matteo on the other hand helped us keep the ball or whatever little we had in moving it from place to place before those ahead of him inevitably lost it or were worse than second best on loose balls. the whole team looked lost. LT is very good at winning it back but it seemed like Matteo and Xhaka… Read more »
I second that. You’re not the only one with that thought, but I guess Arteta doesn’t have much other options. That emphasises the need for a natural defensive midfielder that can easily fit in with Arteta’s tactics. Perhaps we might have to wait till the summer. Auba’s red car will give Martineli a great opportunity to lay a stake for more look-in. Hopefully, he will grasp it with both hands. He did well as usual when he came on..
I did too. We lose some of our shape when he comes on. Him running around shaking hands and smiling at Zaha and Kouyate when he first came on was highly unnecessary too. Hardly the style of a ruthless performer. There’s plenty of time for that either side of the 90 mins.
I think he and zaha were acknowledging that rugby table from the Emirates game.
Seeing progress and that’s all that matters at this stage.
Unfortunate with the red card but we controlled the game overall and I am kinda liking the shithousery being associated with us to be honest.
COYG.
I think if you told a Palace fan we controlled the game they’d laugh in your face.
Yeah that’s why I am in an Arsenal forum commenting, Sherlock Holmes.
Elementary my dear Aaron.
Absolute shit-tier football from the cheating cunts. Fouling all over the place, cynical to the max, diving at the first sign of contact and then their fans have the audacity to sing “same old Arsenal” when we actually manage to get a single decision in our favour from this awful referee. Ayew fouling again and again, manages to stay out the book, while about 3 of our players make a single similar foul and they’re straight in. Palace created nothing, scored a jammy goal and got away with absolute murder.
It’s also a shame there are no pitch standards in the Prem because Selhurst Park is Championship level at best, although this in fairness matches their style of football.
And the filthy cheating cunt is the BT Sport Man of the Match. Fucking useless pundits, and that includes Keown.
Down vote me all you like, but Martin Keown just comes across as reactionary to me, with nothing insightful to say. He changes his ‘opinion’ any time something happens, as a co-commentator.
The AMN yellow was an absolute joke.
I’ve just put an almost identicalpost on FB!
Woy has got fwends at PGMOL
football fwends
I struggle to blame palace here. A foul is a foul and it’s not up to them to call it. The cunt however let them have it their way all game but blew whenever we got closer to them.
Perfectly describes my thoughts on the game. Kudos sir!
Disappointed to only get the draw. Been a while since I’ve felt that about an away game.
No arguments from me about the red card – we’d be screaming for one if it had been the other way
Half bread is better in this scenario
Was the initial pass for their goal offside?
I thought it was tbh
Thank you that was offside. No VAR. In a season where people are getting offsides for their armpit, you’re telling me I can actually see a player off with my naked eye and they won’t even review it? What a f****ng joke.
VAR is a complete and utter shambles. Worst thing to happen to refereeing since Mike Dean.
They didn’t even look at it. If we were Liverpool or Spu*s they would analyze it for 5 minutes. I hate those small margin offside calls but they were again making example from us.
The same with Auba red card. A stonewall red but it would be if the sides were changed and Ayew makes the tackle? I don’t think so. Did the guy who broke Wesley’s knee get the red card?
Can we please stop with the Guendouzi nonsense? We have overplayed the kid thanks to Emery. Time for him to take a breather and return refreshed with renewed focus. We looked half the side without Torreira.
Who would you play instead? I suppose the options are Willock and Ceballos. I wonder how well Willock would’ve done instead today?
In my opinion, Willock is technically better than Guendouzi. I would prefer Willocl over Guendouzi. But having reflected upon current situation of the club overall, i don’t think Arteta has any other choice..
I agree that Torreira makes us a whole lot better with or without 10 men than Guendouzi, but don’t think he did much wrong today..The red card had us sitting deep.
We’re still way too slow to release the ball in the final third. It’s to do with striker movement and not wanting to take risks with through balls. I wish we still had Alexis and Ramsey, because they were prepared to take risks. Xhaka, Kolasinac, Pepe and Torreira just play safe passes to feet all the time. Ozil tries, but Lacazette doesnt want to run in behind. Its frustrating to watch Arsenal still because we’re so ponderous and not exciting to watch anymore.
First half Ozil was in loads of space time and time again, but Sokratis and Luiz would never slot it through, were too busy passing between themselves
Yes, they took far too long to pass it at times, which meant the forward pass was not on by the time they did. Sokratis more guilty of it than Luiz, but I thought both of them lacked urgency in getting it forward.
We also ended up playing the ball to the full backs a lot today when trying to play out from the back, which hasn’t been the case recently. I think that also came from the speed (or lack thereof) of playing out from the centre backs.
Right. Arsenal showed some strengths and weaknesses here and I guess all in all, 1-1 was fair result. But I still cannot help being absolutely incensed about the VAR decision. Not because it was necessarily wrong, but because there are 25 tackles like that that go unpunished every week, and suddenly today the VAR gang decided, “let’s punish Arsenal for it”. I haven’t been this angry since the last time we played Palace, and VAR incomprehensibly cancelled Sokratis’ winner. What the fuck is it with those people? They’re ruining football with their completely random and inconsistent decisions. I might be… Read more »
VAR is run by the same cheats that are refereeing the matches, so it’s never going to be any use. If our opponents got red cards every time one of our players was on the end of a tackle like that we’d be playing against eight men in every game.
The problem I have with VAR in England in comparison to other countries is that the ref never looks at the scene himself on the monitor. It’s easy to overturn a decicion cause some dude in your ear says so. It’s not that easy to go to a monitor and then overturn your own decision and admit your own mistake. I am pretty sure that if the ref went to the monitor, he would have stayed with the yellow. Also I think VAR should be used to uncover clearly wrong decisions. Had the ref not spotted the foul by Auba,… Read more »
VAR was meant to address the fact that tv replays makes every offside and foul instantly visible to millions of people. The only ones not knowing are the referee and the players. Still, I think VAR should go. Fuming fans seeing transgressions not spotted and penalties not given is just extra added spice. Still, I really belive all those wrong decisions even out over time.
The biggest problem with VAR is that the decision is made out of view. VAR removes the simplicity and immediateness from football. It removes fun. It sucks.
It was a nasty challenge and deserved a red, unfortunately for us
Sure, but that’s not the point, is it? When was the last time you saw a ref let a tackle like that go and VAR suddenly decided they were going to overrule the decision and give a red card? If they did it every time, fine. If they never did it, fine. But suddenly, out of the blue, they decided to do it now, while ignoring the last 50 and no doubt the next 50 as well. It’s a bit like the FA giving Eduardo a 3-match ban after his “dive” (it wasn’t a dive) against Celtic in the Champions… Read more »
If I wasnt wrong, that VAR referee was craig pawson. Remember him? The one who didnt sent jorginho off last time we met chelsea
League used to talk about disrepute with some of Wenger’s comments, but now we are supposed to be okay with someone in a studio calling the game through the ref’s headset? Bullshit!
This guy lost control of the game by giving CP every 50-50 ball in the second half, and looking away at some of their challenges.
Don’t get the downvotes? Obvious red. Reckless and dangerous by Auba, some Gooners need to clean their rose-tinted goggles.
We were great in the first half until Torreira picked up his injury.
I like Guendouzi but he’s not the same type of player. In hindsight it may have been better to bring on Holding at half time and move Luiz up into the midfield instead
AMN kept Zaha in his pockets today…the lad has been dishing out a 7/10 Performance week in week out…am really impressed with him…one on one he used to be shaky…not today though…His confidence is really high…and Arteta should be credited for his improvement…I doubt Bellerin can play the inverted fullback role as good as AMN…We shall see.
Jordan Ayew is a double TWAT. He can go and f..k himself. The referee with his inconsistency in decision making should equally be called out (but will they?). No wonder they hardly make it to international competitions. They should work on their standards (unless it’s been deliberate by some of them).
To be honest, given what he was able to do with no service today, I would take Jordan Ayew over Lacazette right now.
Close control, physically engaging, fighting for his team. I just don’t think Lacazette has any more confidence to shoot anymore
Lacs has been a fighter in matches for us too. Just need to remember how to start scoring goals and finishing moves. Hopefully it will start coming back to him from now on.
Red was harsh. I thought we had a good shape with ten men. We never looked in trouble a man down really. In Arteta I trust.
And I loved Luiz’s shithousery at the end, running 30 yards to move the free kick. No fucks were given. It’s mental, but our defence looks the strongest part of our team now. Almost certainly down to Arteta making us take up good defensive shapes as a team.
And doesn’t Joe Cole talk absolute bollocks, by the way?
1) not a red card, not in a million years. disgusting decision and Var was useless again. It was just a clumsy tackle by a striker who will now miss 3 games. It wasn’t a lunge or feet off the floor. I see we are now dishing out cards depending how injured the player is.
2) Crystal Palace are an annoying hoof ball team of gleethounds. They are so fucking irritating, especially at home. I thought they were very lucky today
3) Arsenal played with tremendous heart and deserve credit. That’s all I can ask for right now.
Red car all day long, could of snapped his ankle
*card
So by your logic I should expect a red card every time a player mistimes a tackle because of the damage he could have done? No, sorry I don’t buy that.
So by your logic every tackle is okay as long as there isn’t broken bones?
My analysis the area we lost the game is number 10 and 8…. we need someone who is creative plus hard worker..i am not satisfied with ozil.
My man of the match was Torreira.
Don’t even go there, the Ozilites don’t even try defending their lightweight, inconsistent and petulant hero anymore
They just revert to personal attacks on posters, with legitimate frustrations and concerns.
To quote our greatest post war Prime minister:
“I always cheer up immensely if an attack is particularly wounding because I think, well, if they attack one personally, it means they have not a single argument left.”
A world class player who is now playing an important part in taking Arsenal to the next level. That is our most creative player who Arteta has given a new lease of life. Sadly the toxic Rich will never see it.
Interesting that Auba replicated Arteta’s feat of scoring and getting sent off at Palace.
I must say that some of our players looked done by second half after Auba got sent off. Palace had some quick passing going on, we really could’ve used Torreira in there. The good thing is Mikel learns more each match about the team as the signs look increasingly positive. Also strongly feel that Pepe should be releasing the ball faster when there are options around that can progress you higher up the pitch.. he’s undoubtedly good but still some ways to go
Fair point about Pepe. That time he dummies Cahill in the box, he could have released the ball faster to a free Ozil. I was seriously frustrated with his play there. I think it’s going to be next season before we can really get to see a finished Pepe; settled and ready to take the PL by storm.
I thought our players looked fresher after the sending off than during the period between our goal and then. I think it’s a mindset problem as much as a physical one.
I half way agree on Pepe, but I think he is assigned the dribbler role, the role that Sanchez had with us and Saha has at Palace today: Take on defenders, and pull 2-3 towards you, so that space opens up behind.
But we were not able to utilise that space. Team mates did not overlap, nor run into positions where he could pass to them.
How the fuck do Palace fans put up with that shit. It’s 2020 yet we were watching 1980s Wimbledon.
No wonder their fans just chant shit for 90 mins as the football is a disgrace.
Shit game. Wish Lacazette would stop fouling everyone but nonetheless a very good attitude from the players.
“How the fuck do Palace fans put up with that shit.”
Alcohol.
They’re ahead of us in the table, with a massive injury list, less than half our wage bill, and 40% of our turnover.
But 100 % more var decisions in their favour. 3 in 2 games if i remember correctly. Not bad.
I haven’t seen them this season other than against us, so it might be an invalid point, but they had 12 players unavailable today so that may have played a part in the attractiveness of their football.
Even in the VAR room, craig pawson still knew how to screw arsenal up
Back to life, back to reality!
I really need to know what AMN’s pass completion stat is.
He did well keeping Zaha quiet, his defending is improving all the time.
Absolutely agree! Feel like he could be more intentional with him passing. Even his throw-ins were a bit weird
But he over does it and complicates simple things most times (just like Pepe). I’m positive though that by the time Arteta finishes polishing thrm, hopefully they will turn out gems by next season.
63% of 41 attempted
Thanks
Pepe needs to release the ball quicker, he makes good runs and gets on the end of passes 1v1 with the defender backing away with him but he just runs into a cul-de-sac. He needs to pass or cross or shoot. Also, brilliant officiating by the ref, ayew made terrible tackles throughout the first half and doesn’t get booked, while amn got booked for his first foul.
Also I think Auba’s exclusion can be offset wel.. This means Martinelli will start, something I think he is more than ready for
Palace seem to have the hoodoo on us. A deflected goal. A red card. And a disallowed goal in our home game this season to deny us a win. And it rankles they’re still a point above us in the table. Yes, we faded a bit after the goal but how Ayew hadn’t received a yellow card is beyond me. And of course he scores against us. I don’t think Pepe and Özil should both play in away games. Great at home. I’d have brought Martinelli on earlier. He really gives us an edge. But we dug in after going… Read more »
Can’t help but feel this season Is something of a write off in the league. Probably better next season not to be in Europa league. Use rest of season for Arteta to get his message across, buy in the summer. Make a decent start next season. This season give FA cup and Europa a decent go. Feel next season we could be top four competitive.
I really like Torreira I do and I have even forgiven not forgotten Xhaxa for THAT but I can’t help feeling both are just not good enough for where we want to go. That’s why we have these weird unbalanced matches. It’s worrying because they are our best midfielders.
So no mention of Lacazette’s performance and how it’s affecting the team? Dude needs needs a reminder that he wears the no. 9 shirt. Tbh though, I don’t expect much from him anymore. His returns have been on the decline for a while now. Can’t stay on his feet, not mobile enough, plus his new style is to demand for a yellow card everytime a foul is commited. What’s his age again? He looks spent. Argggg!
Dude, did you see his hold up play and inch perfect assist for Auba’s goal?
Right now, the issue is that he just lacks his usual composure in front of goal, but that will come back. Form is temporary; class is permanent. And Laca’s class.
As supporters and fans, we need to be patient with him and support him through his rough patch, he’ll come good.
Both Aba and Laca are central strikers. In this kind of formation ( which I agree with) the wide forwards need the abolity to defend, tackle etc. Neither if them can. You shoukd only play one of them. Question is who shpuld be the eide players?? Nelson and Pepe??. Our creative one behind can be Ozil, Smith – Rowe or Cabelleos Controversial but could with Eddie Neiktah could you let Abo or Lava go? Similarly with Cabellos and Smith- Rowe coukd you let Ozil go? Just thinking of how much funds you coukd raise to recruit for other positions. Defence… Read more »
It was a clear red card. However I don’t hold anything against Auba, he has been one of our best players this season if not the best, and he was just doing his job by closing down. I don’t think he really meant that challenge to come off how it did. It was a bit unlucky. We look good in the first 20 minutes when they sit off, but as soon as any team presses we lose control of the game. We don’t have anybody strong and powerful in midfield who can just drive forward and get us out of… Read more »