Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsenal Vs Crystal Palace: 5 things we learned – Alexis Sanchez the difference

By Andrew Dowdeswell

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 28: Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal celebrates as he scores their third goal with Hector Bellerin during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal at Selhurst Park on December 28, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 28: Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal celebrates as he scores their third goal with Hector Bellerin during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal at Selhurst Park on December 28, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 28: Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal celebrates as he scores their third goal with Hector Bellerin during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal at Selhurst Park on December 28, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 28: Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal celebrates as he scores their third goal with Hector Bellerin during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal at Selhurst Park on December 28, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

Arsenal travelled to Crystal Palace as their festive fixtures continued. Here are five things we learned from the 3-2 win.

Arsenal earned their penance on Thursday night. For the most part, this was an extremely comfortable and professional win. But thanks to a five-minute spell shortly after half-time, as well as the final few minutes after a James Tomkins header, they did not make it easy for themselves. Crystal Palace made them work for it. But the Gunners head home with the three points in their back pocket.

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Here are five things we learned from the 3-2 victory.

LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 28: Wilfried Zaha of Crystal Palace battles with Hector Bellerin of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal at Selhurst Park on December 28, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 28: Wilfried Zaha of Crystal Palace battles with Hector Bellerin of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal at Selhurst Park on December 28, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) /

5. Wilfried Zaha sells himself well

Before the match, it was clear what — ‘who’ might be the better delineative — their primary threat would be: The pace of Wilfried Zaha on the counter-attack. The blistering winger did not disappoint.

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With Arsenal playing a 3-4-3 system that did leave space in either wide channel, Zaha was able to find opportunities to drive at a vulnerable Calum Chambers when Hector Bellerin was caught too far up the pitch. His pace in his movement, the precision of his dribbling, his willingness to be direct and purposeful whenever he got the chance. Zaha was excellent throughout, providing the key piece of quality for the equalising goal.

And that could be especially important for a team that has been linked with a move for the now 25-year-old. I had been a little hesitant regarding his signing, unsure of his ability to replicate the attacking productivity of the departing Alexis Sanchez. And while one game does not completely change my opinion, Zaha certainly put on a good display that did open my eyes a little to his bright future.