Mikel Arteta, manager of Arsenal, expressed disappointment regarding his team’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace on the night of April 23.
After eliminating Real Madrid from the Champions League quarter-finals, Arsenal were anticipated to continue their winning streak. However, their trip to Selhurst Park turned out to be more challenging than anticipated.
The Gunners established control of the match early on when Jakub Kiwior scored with a well-aimed header from a free-kick, providing them with a promising beginning.
Eberechi Eze changed the game’s momentum when he scored an equalizer for Palace with a remarkable shot from beyond the penalty box.
Just before the half-time whistle, Leandro Trossard brought the hosts back into the lead with a deft finish, allowing Arsenal to head into the break with a 2-1 advantage.
Yet, the second half proved to be a different story. Jean-Philippe Mateta capitalized on a defensive lapse from Arsenal’s backline, pouncing on a mistake to slot home an equalizer, ensuring that both teams would leave the pitch with a share of the spoils.
After the match, Arteta discussed the performance in an interview with BBC Sport, saying, “We dropped our standards today, and full credit to Crystal Palace for taking advantage of that. Throughout the game, we found it difficult to maintain consistency, often relinquishing possession in situations that were simpler than they needed to be. Our play also exhibited a sluggishness when it came to reactions. All in all, I am really disillusioned.
When asked whether his players could have been distracted by the forthcoming Champions League match with Paris Saint-Germain, Arteta replied firmly, “We have discussed the importance of maintaining our focus and avoiding any distractions.
„Obwohl es gut ist, dass sich PSG nicht sofort nach dem letzten Spiel auf uns vorbereiten konnte: Wir haben nicht das nötige Leistungsniveau geboten, um diese Partie zu gewinnen.“
Arteta recognized the necessity for his squad to come together again, saying, “We need this time to recharge, and we are looking forward to getting our players back to full fitness.”
The 2-2 tie leaves top-ranked Liverpool just a point shy of clinching the Premier League title. This means that if the Reds win against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, April 27, Arne Slot’s team will be declared EPL champions.
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