Arsenal v Palace: 5 talking points

April 18 2016

Yannick Bolasie (Photo: Andy Roberts)

Crystal Palace pinched a point off Arsenal at the Emirates. Matt Pearce and Dougal Caston pick the bones...

1. Bolasie bites back

Yannick Bolasie stole a point for a defiant Palace with a fantastic late goal at the Emirates, putting the final nail in the coffin for Arsenal’s title hopes. The game seemed beyond our reach before a powerful low drive from outside the box gifted Bolasie his first Premier League goal since the 5-1 drubbing of Newcastle at Selhurst Park back in November. Bolasie hadn’t been electric up until the goal, as boss Alan Pardew noted: “Yala looked a little bit down today. Maybe the lack of goals and lack of a moment has been affecting him. That (goal) will give him a major lift because he’s a big player for us.”

Wasn't Cech meant to win Arsenal the league?pic.twitter.com/Fb38IE23Iz
— 138.com (@138dotcom) April 17, 2016

2. Adebayor pressures back line

Emmanuel Adebayor made a return to the Emirates to an icy reception from the home crowd. Coming on as a second half substitute, the forward impressed with some positive positioning, passing and control, something Palace had missed in the first half. Adebayor was also involved in the build up to the goal, making a strong run down the left flank and holding up play before Bolasie arrived. The striker’s performance was an encouraging improvement on the Everton game. But will the centre forward need more goals in his game to be offered a new contract in the summer?

3. Strong bench performs well

With players back from injury, there are finally options on the bench for Pardew. The substitutions, which the manager used astutely, made a huge impact on the game, with Wilfried Zaha looking particularly threatening. Wilf brought Palace energy when on the offensive, and he was unlucky to not score, beating both Nacho Monreal and Gabriel on a surging run down the right wing. Bakary Sako’s work rate was commendable, also coming close with a glancing header following a corner. With a nearly fully fit side available, competition for places will be a headache Pardew can only enjoy.

Just left the stadium, no atmosphere and then this fucker sat behind me watching the game like this, done with this pic.twitter.com/AwveNi9JhY
— Sultan (@LeCarreMagie) April 17, 2016

4. Cabaye pushed up in midfield mix-up

Deploying Yohan Cabaye up the pitch left room in the middle for Mile Jedinak and Joe Ledley - more defensive-minded players who could sit in the middle of the park and win balls to feed forward. Cabaye in the no.10 also meant pushing the in-form Puncheon out to the right, in a role he has not played much for Palace this season. Punch was substituted in the second half for Zaha, but it was interesting to see a fresh trio of attacking midfielders. During the slump, there was little experimentation with players and formations, but it was nice to see a new approach, which was well adapted as the match unfolded. In our opinion, Pardew can be happy with the tactics he adopted.

5. Surely safe now?

If a point against Everton was good, surely one at the Emirates is even better. The tally is now at 39 points, so it would take something spectacular from the teams lurking below us to catch up. Palace can finally take a breath of fresh air as we look to take on Manchester United this week, having taken six points in our previous four games. In a fixture few thought we would glean something from, to get something out the game gives us a massive boost for us on our trip to Wembley, which is fast becoming the focal point of the season – it will be important to carry this form into the cup.