Toothless Arsenal held by Crystal Palace
Arsenal has been held to a 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace at the Emirates in what was another toothless display from Mikel Arteta’s side.
David Luiz returned to the starting line-up with Pablo Mari and Kieran Tierney not risked after having slight muscle issues. Both Thomas Partey and Gabriel made their return to the side on the bench.
Arsenal started the brighter of the two sides, enjoying and controlling possession as they got into their groove early. It was a comfortable first 15 minutes for Arsenal with Roy Hodgson’s side not offering much going forward.
Dani Ceballos looked lively for the Gunners as he showed a real willingness to run and push his side forward.
Palace slowly got themselves into the match with Wilfried Zaha looking lively for the visitors. It was a rather uneventful half an hour with neither side looking real threatening. Then came the best chance of the game.
James Tomkins had his header hit the crossbar and then just minutes later Christian Benteke forced a superb save from Bernd Leno as his header looked goal-bound with Palace looking the more threatening team.
The Gunners finished the half the stronger side with multiple corners however it still remained level at the break with plenty of work to do for both sides.
Arsenal started the second half the better side with Hector Bellerin having a shot inside the first minute. There was a clear intent to push and get the go-ahead goal with the side showing more energy than in the first half.
The Gunners dominated proceedings with Alexandre Lacazette having a chance however his shot hit the side netting. Ainsley Maitland-Niles made way for Nicolas Pepe and then five minutes later Thomas Partey made his return to the side, replacing Dani Ceballos.
It was a rather timid half from both sides with Rob Holding coming close to breaking the deadlock. A corner was whipped in and the centre back saw his header go wide.
Arsenal pushed and pushed for a goal that would see them take the lead however it never came as Crystal Palace remained stout in defence. In truth, Roy Hodgson’s side was never really troubled in the 90 minutes as Arsenal again lacked any real creativity.
The stalemate sees Arsenal remain in 11th while Palace remains just one point and two places below the Gunners.
It was a frustrating night for Mikel Arteta and his side and they will look to bounce back when they host Newcastle on Tuesday.
