Arsenal headed to Selhurst Park where they faced a revived Crystal Palace, under the guidance of Alan Pardew. It was another London Derby in the season, and Palace weren’t going to be easy pickings. Wenger had to take into account Arsenal’s midweek Champions League clash with Monaco, so grabbing three points at Palace became even more of a challenge.
Arsenal claimed the three points in a 2-1 victory against Crystal Palace, in a fiercely contested London Derby. As expected, Pardew’s team were up for the fight, as a high pressing system combined with their physical strengths, really combated Arsenal’s build up play. However, Arsenal stood up strong to early pressure, as Palace became exposed at the back several times when Arsenal found a way out. The first goal came when, Welbeck pounced on Souare’s bad touch and bundled over from the challenge from the former Lille left back. Mark Clattenburg pointed to the spot for an Arsenal penalty. Santi Cazorla stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way, slotting it into the keeper’s left. Arsenal grabbed their second when Welbeck’s diagonal run across the box was spotted by Alexis, however Welbeck’s shot was parried only for Giroud to stab home a second.
Crystal Palace continued to hurry & press Arsenal all over the pitch. Both Chambers and Monreal struggled to deal with Zaha & Puncheon, but Arsenal did hold on until injury time. The Eagles bombarded the Arsenal box, as injury time, became ‘kitchen sink’ time. Jordan Mutch’s deep corner wasn’t dealt with as Zaha’s shot slipped into the path for Glen Murray to tap in a Palace goal. Arsenal intensely held on to grab all three points.
Giroud Led From The Front
In front of a passionate crowd at Selhurst Park, Arsenal were well in for a physical, blooded battle. Arsenal fortunately grabbed a two goal cushion, and Giroud certainly played a pivotal role in the Arsenal victory.
The 6ft 2in Frenchman was a huge presence upfront for the Gunners and netted the winning goal. It was a significant goal for Giroud, as it was his 50th Arsenal goal in all competitions. Early on in the season, Giroud was criticised for his contribution, however he certainly has been delivering in the last six games (excluding Spurs).
Giroud really stepped up in this game, providing a physical & aerial challenge for the Palace defenders to think about. Giroud’s stats versus Palace were evidence of his great performance. Giroud led from the front for Arsenal, and even got himself on the score sheet.