Premier League Statistics: Crystal Palace 2-3 Arsenal

MATCH FACTS

  • Date – 28th December 2017
  • Venue – Sehurst Park
  • Attendance – 25,762
  • Referee – Michael Oliver
  • Bookings – Zaha, Chambers
  • Goals – Mustafi (25), Townsend (49), Sanchez (62, 66), Tomkins (89)
  • Star Eagle – Andros Townsend (8.6)

TEB VERDICT

The unbeaten run of games is over but it should not be underestimated as it has seen us escape the bottom three for the moment. Contrary to what the media would like fans to believe, this is not a poor Arsenal side but the Eagles gave them too much space in the first half. There were plenty of moments for the hosts in what was an exciting encounter but the visitors just did enough to take all three points.

PLAYER RATINGS (courtesy of Who Scored)

1 JULIAN SPERONI (7.0) – Made a number of good saves to keep the visitors at bay while fans are divided as to whether some fault should lay at the Argentines door for either of the first and second goals. Fact remains, a new addition at this position is needed in January as neither choices are ideal for the number one jersey.

34 MARTIN KELLY (6.5) – Struggled against the fast paced attack throughout the evening but ventured forward to support the front players as much as possible. Replaced by 24 TIMOTHY FOSU-MENSAH (6.3) on 80 minutes who had little time to make an impact.

5 JAMES TOMKINS (7.9) – Another commanding performance in a back line that was pulled all over the place for much of the game.

6 SCOTT DANN (6.3) – Found it difficult not to be dragged out of position in the face of an expensive front line that were looking in the mood.

15 JEFFREY SCHLUPP (7.2) – The engine on this guy is incredible as he spent all game working hard up and down the pitch. Like the rest of the back line, found himself pulled out of position too many times but his pace got him out of trouble most of the time.

28 LUKA MILIVOJEVIC (7.4) – Another solid showing in the middle of the park and enjoyed a good running battle with Wilshere.

7 YOHAN CABAYE (6.4) – Good first half but seemingly struggled to continue after the break which looked like the after effects of a late challenge. Replaced by 18 JAMES MCARTHUR (6.6) on 53 minutes who added his usual busy self to the mix but unable to provide that touch of class that the Frenchman does.

8 RUBEN LOFTUS-CHEEK (6.2) – Made a number of strong runs into the box and worked well with Zaha and Townsend but faded in the second half. Replaced by 26 BAKARY SAKO (6.8) on 70 minutes got himself involved but with no end product this time.

11 WILFRIED ZAHA (6.8) – Let the night and some decisions that did not go his way get to him. Received a silly booking at half time for arguing with the officials. Showed what he is all about with a terrific assist for the second Palace goal but needs to mix it up a bit and get the ball in the box earlier sometimes.

10 ANDROS TOWNSEND (8.6) – Excellent showing from the winger who worked hard all evening and got a goal for his efforts.

17 CHRISTIAN BENTEKE (6.2) – Disappointing night for the Belgian striker who struggled to hold the ball up and get himself into goal scoring positions.

Unused substitutes – 13 Wayne Hennessey, 3 Patrick van Aanholt, 42 Jason Puncheon, 44 Jairo Riedewald

WHAT THE MANAGERS SAID

“At 1-1, I thought we were playing well and we were on the front foot, but the second goal was so difficult. To go 2-1 down was a difficult task. You have to give the players credit. At 3-1 a lot of teams would have capitulated, but we certainly didn’t do that. Our second goal was scant reward for the chances we had in the second half but we were beaten by the better team on the day.” – Roy Hodgson courtesy of BBC Sport.

“It was convincing, the second half was more difficult than the first because we didn’t take advantage of the chances we created. When you come here it’s a difficult game for everybody. To go home with the three points you need to suffer a little bit, and we did that tonight.” – Arsene Wenger courtesy of Sky Sports.

MATCH STATISTICS

The Who Scored man of the match was Alexis Sanchez (9.8) while who also had the most shots along with Wilfried Zaha (4). The most tackles were made by Luka Milivojevic and Hector Bellerin (5) and the most dribbles were by Alexis Sanchez (5).

  • Team rating: 6.86 – 7.10
  • Total shots: 16 – 16
  • Shots on target: 2 – 9
  • Possession: 34.7% – 65.3%
  • Pass success: 74% – 85%
  • Dribbles: 13 – 14
  • Aerials won: 22 – 20
  • Tackles: 27 – 19
  • Corners: 5 – 4
  • Dispossessed: 7 – 19

POSITION IN THE TABLE

Palace remain 16th in the Premier League after twenty games, level on points with Newcastle United in 15th and West Ham United in 17th.

NEXT THREE FIXTURES

  • 31/01/2017 Manchester City (h)
  • 02/01/2018 Southampton (a)
  • 08/01/2018 Brighton & Hove Albion (a)

 

 

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