Arsenal: 4 talking points from 2-2 Crystal Palace draw

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LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 18: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on October 18, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

2. Mikel Arteta Has No Plan B

The Gunners started the game well, controlling possession and on the front foot before Aubameyang’s goal just seven minutes in.

After that, Palace grew into the game and pushed Arsenal around. On their home deck, mind you. All control evaporated and sloppiness crept in everywhere.

Arteta on the sidelines looked bereft of ideas as to how to curtail Palace’s dominance. With the players that were on the pitch, Arsenal had the better quality of talent, but Arteta was out-coached by a manager who he is thought to be superior of.

It was clear that Arteta did not have a Plan B to try and stop what Palace was doing and his blushes were spared thanks to Lacazette’s last-second equalizer. The structure of the play is limiting and for a manager with so many exciting attacking options the inability to create chances (of any variety) is deeply concerning.

This game raised more questions than it answered and Arteta will have to put some serious work in post-game with Aston Villa to come on Friday. It is worryingly becoming a theme now with the Spaniard, as it was a full-strength team at his disposal that got well beaten by a very good Palace side.

There are no excuses.

Continued…

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