Arsenal will look to curb their three-game losing streak when they host Crystal Palace on Saturday. After losing their repeat match against Everton on Wednesday night, the Eagles were eliminated from the FA Cup. Meanwhile, the Gunners have been enjoying the Dubai sunshine since losing to Liverpool in the third round.
Preview (Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace)
Arsenal’s winter offensive problems have been evident throughout the holiday season, as evidenced by their rise from atop the Premier League table on Christmas Day to the possibility of falling out of the top four altogether. Following their lackluster attacking displays in back-to-back Premier League losses to West Ham United and Fulham. Arsenal missed numerous chances to take the lead against Liverpool in the FA Cup. Jacob Kiwior scored in front of the Reds supporters.
Unfortunately, the Pole mistakenly headed Trent Alexander-Arnold’s free-kick into the net, sending the away end into jubilation. Then, Luis Diaz taught Arsenal a merciless lesson with a thunderous finish into the goal’s roof. It forced Arteta to concede that his team might have grown mentally numb to finishing opportunities. As a result, it will be up to Arteta and the company to get fourth-place Arsenal. They are only ahead of Tottenham Hotspur on goal difference with a game remaining—out of their offensive slump.
Arsenal have never experienced a worse seven-game run under Arteta. They have now lost their last two Premier League London derbies after going undefeated in 17 capital clashes prior. They have only managed one win from seven games across all tournaments. Missed opportunities nearly proved costly in a 2-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion. Another lack of killer instinct was the cause of Crystal Palace’s troubles in their FA Cup debut against Everton, who played to a goalless draw at Selhurst Park on Wednesday night at the Toffees’ Goodison base. Both teams will now have another match on their schedule.
Team News
During the Gunners’ winter training camp, ACL casualty Jurrien Timber was spotted sprinting around the Dubai grounds and working on individual ball work. He was a sight for sore eyes. It will be some time before the Dutchman is considered for a first-team return. In addition, it is anticipated that Thomas Partey (thigh) and Fabio Vieira (groin) won’t return until next month. Takehiro Tomiyasu and Mohamed Elneny are also absent due to international commitments. The status of Alexander Zinchenko (calf) remains uncertain.
Gabriel Jesus seems to have fully recovered from the knee injury. It prevented him from playing in the Liverpool match. Former Arsenal defender Rob Holding, who moved from the Emirates to Selhurst Park during the summer, will not be able to play for his old team again because of an ankle injury, and Michael Olise, who is reportedly a target for the Gunners, is still out with a thigh injury and has not set a return date.
Arsenal 2-0 Crystal Palace
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