It is a return to league duty for the Eagles this Sunday after the midweek exertions which ultimately proved to be a disappointing defeat in the Conference League.
Much has been said about the evening at Selhurst Park on Thursday, but it is Oliver Glasner who covered it best by saying that the surprise defeat makes everyone ‘humble’.
He does have a point, and while the recent successes that we have had the pleasure of enjoying and witnessing, there does need to be an element of perspective.
The Austrian will be well aware that the blame for the defeat was there for all to see on the pitch, but Glasner did move way from his usual approach of playing his strongest team by making several changes.
It was one of those changes, Jaydee Canvot, while being signed as a talented prospect suffered more than most against AEK Larnaca and was guilty of making the error which led to the winning goal. As with all close knit groups, Dean Henderson claimed responsibility and proves just how this group sticks together.
Ultimately, the game has gone now and it is all about reacting to what was a hugely underwhelming performance in a competition that Palace were one of, if not, the favourites to lift the trophy.
It was a reality check but this season there is certainly no time to dwell on such results, especially as the Eagles head to the Emirates this weekend to take on the league leaders who are in very good form themselves.
Glasner has reported that the squad has navigated the Larnaca squad unscathed and back in full training in lead up the Arsenal game. Once thing Palace have struggled with in recent games is being clinical and that will need to change in North London on Sunday. There is a feeling that away games suit the way that Palace set up, so this fixture will be a real test especially after the game on Thursday and looking ahead to the League Cup tie at Liverpool next midweek.
The fixture list is full on at the moment and continues all the way through to the next international break in three weeks time, but having lost that unbeaten record and the first defeat in Europe, the focus needs to be clear and fresh heading into each one of them.
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🏟️ Match Context
- Arsenal sit top of the Premier League, three points clear of Manchester City.
- Crystal Palace are 8th, but have hit a rough patch after a 19-game unbeaten run, losing two of their last three matches including a shock defeat to AEK Larnaca in Europe.
🔴 Arsenal Preview
- Form: 6 wins in 8 league games; unbeaten in their last 7 across all competitions.
- Strengths: Set-piece dominance (10 goals from dead-ball situations in 8 games), solid defence (only 3 goals conceded in the league).
- Key Players:
- Viktor Gyökeres: Back in form with a brace against Atletico Madrid.
- Gabriel Martinelli: 3 goals in his last 5 appearances.
- Ebere Eze: Facing former club, now playing in a more advanced role.
- Injuries: Odegaard, Havertz, Madueke, and Jesus are all out until at least mid-November.
🦅 Crystal Palace Preview
- Form: 3 wins, 4 draws, 1 loss in the league; struggling defensively with 6 goals conceded in their last 3 games.
- Key Players:
- Jean-Philippe Mateta: Scored a hat-trick against Bournemouth, 8 of his last 9 league goals have come in London.
- Marc Guehi: In top form, tasked with stopping former teammate Eze.
- Injuries: Doucoure, Riad, and Kporha remain sidelined.
🧠 Tactical Notes
- Arsenal: Likely to dominate possession and exploit set-pieces. Arteta may rotate slightly but will keep the core from the midweek 4-0 win over Atletico.
- Palace: Will look to frustrate Arsenal and hit on the counter. Glasner may rotate after Thursday’s European fixture.
🔮 Prediction
- Sports Mole: Arsenal win, citing their form and defensive solidity.
- GOAL: Predicts a 1-1 draw, expecting Palace to frustrate Arsenal.
- Forebet & APWin: Back Arsenal to win, with a predicted score line of 2-1.
- TEB: Expecting a reaction to the disappointing midweek defeat in Europe, 1-1.
