Arsenal hosted Crystal Palace on Monday night at the Emirates Stadium. It was also the first time Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira met his former club as coach.
Arsenal took the lead in the eighth minute through Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Arsenal’s team captain was carefully on his way back after a fine performance by Nicolas Pépé.
It was really annoying on the pitch when James McArthur kicked down Arsenal’s young star Bukayo Saka when the game was called off. The young winger had to be replaced at half-time. Crystal Palace were close to equalizing at the end of the first half, but newcomer Aaron Ramsdale in goal saved Arsenal that time.
The equalizer, however, came early in the second half. Jordan Ayew pressed and won the ball from Thomas Partey who was too slow in Arsenal’s game structure. The ball came to Christian Benteke who pushed the ball down in Ramsdale’s left corner.
Crystal Palace’s lead in the 73rd minute after even more carelessness from Arsenal’s central midfielder. This time it was Sambi Lokonga who dropped the ball that allowed Palace to start a contingent. The ball came to the striker Odsonne Édouard who via the crossbar shot 2-1 to the away team.
Arsenal managed to equalize to 2-2 in extra time. Alexandre Lacazette struck a 30 meter free kick home 95 minutes into the match. The match ended 2-2.
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