Palace Deny Gunners Fifth Win In a Row

Arsenal were unable to make it a fifth win in a row in their league match with Crystal Palace on Thursday night.

The Gunners endured a somewhat frustrating night that ended in a goalless stalemate owing to our inability to crack down the backline of the visitors even as we took control from the onset. 

Vincent Guaita had to deal with a quick one from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after the Gabonese had cut in from the left, then Bukayo Saka tried another from the edge of the box.

We were shaken by double threats in quick succession when the header of James Tompkins smashed against the bar and Christian Benteke called Leno to action with his attempt close to halftime.

We began to show our hunger for a positive result immediately after the break. Hector Bellerin hit one but his strike from the edge of the box flew inches wide. While the situation was still so tight for us and we were looking for a way out, the visiting goalkeeper denied us another. This time, it came from Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

When things seem not to work, you have to just resort to a different plan. That was just what we did with the introduction of Thomas Partey and Nicolas Pepe from the bench. Did that really help? The game ended in a goalless draw nevertheless.

It was a clearly frustrating night for us. We will play Newcastle United next in the Premier League on Monday. Last weekend, we defeated them to qualify for the fourth round of the Emirates FA Cup. We look forward to a similar result in an easier way because the previous one didn't come on a platter of gold.