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| Palace's nine shots are the most Arsenal have faced in the first half of a home Premier League game this season. (Photo by=Getty Images) |
[Asia News Communication = Reporter Reakkana] Arsenal's recent resurgence was checked by a stubborn Crystal Palace, who claimed a hard-fought point from a forgettable encounter at Emirates Stadium.
Tagged as relegation candidates as little as three weeks ago, the Gunners came into the game off the back of four straight wins in all competitions but were unable to find their way past the well-drilled and disciplined visitors. For a side in such good form, Arsenal was a disappointment going forward, their best effort at goal a shot on the turn from Alexandre Lacazette into the side-netting. Their only other clear-cut chance was an angled shot from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang that Vicente Guaita palmed away.
There was more goalmouth action at the other end, with James Tomkins heading an Eberechi Eze free-kick against the bar and Christian Benteke drawing a fine save from Bernd Leno with a nodded effort of his own. The point leaves Arsenal 11th on 24 points and Palace two points and a league place worse off, but comfortably clear of any relegation worries. Credit then to Palace, who had gone five games without a win before beating Sheffield United 2-0 last time out in the top flight, but now have another, deserved clean sheet.
