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Goals from Nicolas Pépé and Gabriel Martinelli helped Arsenal to a miraculous 3-1 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Here’s what we learned.
Mikel Arteta named a familiar squad for the journey to south London, despite calls from some sections of the fanbase for players such as Folarin Balogun and Miguel Azeez to showcase their skills.
Sporting their new pastel yellow away kit, Arsenal started the game brightly, but it was Crystal Palace’s Christian Benteke who had the first big chance. Thankfully for Bernd Leno, the Belgian’s header flew over the crossbar.
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The Gunners would take the lead ten minutes before half-time after some lovely interplay down the left-hand side, with Nicolas Pépé turning home Kieran Tierney’s sumptuous cross.
Arsenal: 3 talking points from Premier League win over Crystal Palace as Nicolas Pépé and Gabriel Martinelli steal the points
As the sun set, there was confidence and sharpness to Arsenal’s play. The only thing that was missing was a second goal to kill the game, or a shot to show for it.
Within the blink of an eye, swagger turned into fear. Benteke got Palace back on level terms, and it was the Eagles who then looked to be the most likely victors.
Arsenal looked tired and clueless, but Gabriel Martinelli showed hunger when his team needed it most. His late goal, and Pépé’s second deep into added time, ruined Roy Hodgson’s final home game as Palace manager.
Nonetheless, for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, it was – weirdly – a case of déjà vu.
It’s Pretty, But Not Effective
Arsenal played some lovely football, but they did not create many memorable chances. Unsurprisingly, they scored with all three of their shots on target.
The defending for Benteke’s equaliser was pathetic, but strangely, Arsenal’s defensive record this season has been pretty good. They have conceded 39 league goals; only Chelsea (34) and Manchester City (32) have conceded less.
It’s their lack of bite at the other end that has hurt them. Dominant spells have gone to waste, and too many one-goal margins have been overcome. Tactically, something has to change to ensure that more goals are scored, pressure is sustained for longer periods, there is tempo including and building up to the final third, and fewer leads are surrendered.
Show Me Arsenal in 4-3-3
Ever since his arrival, many have assumed that Mikel Arteta would emulate Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City tactics.
However, only a few times have we seen Arteta utilise Man City’s usual 4-3-3 formation – besides in the final stages of this contest – including when his team was chasing the game against West Ham earlier this year. If Arsenal are to score more goals, Arteta must turn to the 4-3-3.
For the most part, Thomas Partey was good at Selhurst Park. Mohamed Elneny’s energy undoubtedly helps the Ghanaian, but he is more than capable of playing as the sole ‘conductor’ at the base of the midfield.
Emile Smith Rowe has the intelligence, creativity, and industry to play as one of the ‘free No.8s’. The one player that Arsenal are missing in central midfield is a goalscorer. Thankfully, they have someone on their books that fits the bill.
Joe Willock is the Man for Arsenal
Although he wasn’t playing at Selhurst Park, Joe Willock made sure that his presence was felt.
He has scored seven goals in 13 appearances since making the temporary move to Tyneside, and with his latest against Sheffield United, he has six in his last six Premier League games. His contributions helped Steve Bruce win April’s Manager of the Month award, and effectively secured Newcastle’s status as a top-flight club.
Willock is the youngest player in Premier League history to score in six successive matches. That’s more than any one Chelsea player.
A lot has been written about Willock’s future, but the decision to keep him should be an easy one. Goals from central midfield are invaluable, and again, if the Gunners are to take the next step under Arteta, adding natural end product to their young side is vital.
Arteta’s side finish the 2020/2021 Premier League campaign at home against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.