A 96th-minute goal from the French international was enough to give Arsenal a point at home to Crystal Palace after Patrick Vieira’s side had taken the lead in the second half.
Patrick Vieira could have returned to Arsenal in style were it not Alexandre Lacazette’s equalizer that spoilt his night to salvage a 2-2 draw on Monday.
Cristian Benteke and Odsonne Edouard’s second-half goals gave the visitors a commanding lead canceling Gabon’s striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s seventh-minute strike that gave hosts a perfect start.
In more intense last minutes of the game, Alexandre Lacazette pulled a savior goal for Mikel Arteta’s side from a corner.
Pierre Emerick Aubameyang scored a 7th-minute goal for Arsenal; Photo Credit – Premier League
With a draw at home, the Arsenal crisis are far from ending, they now move up to 12th place in the Premier League table eight points difference against first-placed Chelsea and four points difference against Brighton who closes up the top four Champions League spot.
A run of 10 points from a possible 12 had eased an early-season crisis at Arsenal after their worst start for 67 years.
With the absence of Wilfred Zaha in the starting eleven for Crystal Palace due to illness, Patrick Vieira’s side managed to keep constant pressure, and likely not much absence was being felt in the entire game.
Arsenal boss in match briefing after the game said he was disappointed to draw at home adding that his team failed to retain a good composure after taking the lead even though they kept positive.
“The most positive thing is we kept going. They kept believing until the end. That’s how we managed to get a point.
“I am disappointed with the result. We threw it away.” Mikel Arteta said.
Patrick Vieira has been overlooked by his former club for coaching roles despite the legend’s stats so far, the French International in eight games so far played has only lost two in charge which came away to Liverpool and Chelsea.
Crystal Palace could have equalized in the first half but Connor Gallagher’s effort was denied by Aaron Ramsdale.
Palace came strong in the second half, with Arsenal orchestrating their troubles for the two goals.
Arsenal drew 2-2 at home; Photo Credit – Arsenal.com
Thomas Partey was robbed of possession inside his half for the equalizer as Jordan Ayew played in Beneteke to finish calmly into the bottom corner.
Albert Sambi Lokonga was the guilty party for Palace’s second as he gave the ball away and Edouard drilled home his third goal since a summer move high past Ramsdale.
“It was so close but we have been saying that a little bit too often,” said Vieira, whose side has drawn five of their eight league games this season.
“I am really disappointed because of the way the team came back in the second half, they deserved to win the game.”
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