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: Arsene Wenger, Manager of Arsenal looks on prior to 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: Arsene Wenger, Manager of Arsenal looks on prior to 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) /

1. Three points is all that matters

Arsenal, before Thursday night, had played five games in December. Of those five, three came against teams in the bottom half of the league when the matches were played. They won just one, earning six points in total. That is little better than relegation form.

Arsene Wenger’s side had slipped behind Spurs and Liverpool in the top-four race, they had seen all of their direct rivals, other than Manchester United, win on Boxing Day, and simply to keep themselves on the same points as their North London rivals, they had to win against Palace.

Thankfully, they were able to do so. It was not all that easy. They had to squeeze it out in the closing stages. But they did win. Ultimately, that is all that matters, especially at this time of the year. The Gunners now travel to West Bromwich Albion before hosting Chelsea.

Next: Arsenal Vs Palace: Player ratings

Points come at a premium in this league. So when the opportunity arises, they cannot be squandered. Thankfully, Arsenal did not squander this opportunity. This may not have been the best performance in the world. But it was enough. And, for now, that’s all that matters.