How Arsenal Missed Chance To Go Top Of Premier League With 2
London, March 25 (AP) - Arsenal's title hopes suffered a blow on Saturday as the Gunners dropped points in a 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace, squandering an opportunity to move atop the Premier League standings.
Arsenal's defense was found wanting once again, allowing two goals that ultimately proved costly. Michael Olise opened the scoring for Palace with a stunning free-kick, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's close-range finish put the hosts ahead in the second half.
Despite the setbacks, Arsenal showed their fighting spirit by equalizing twice. Bukayo Saka's penalty restored parity before Leandro Trossard's late strike secured a share of the points.
The draw leaves Arsenal in second place, one point behind Manchester City. With City having a game in hand, the Gunners missed a golden opportunity to take control of the title race.
"It's a frustrating result," said Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. "We had chances to kill the game, but we didn't take them. We need to be more clinical in the final third."
"Arsenal's defense continues to be a concern," noted former Arsenal player Paul Merson. "They're making too many mistakes, and it's costing them important points."
The draw has thrown the Premier League title race wide open. With Manchester City in pole position, Arsenal and other contenders will need to perform consistently to challenge for the championship.
Arsenal has a crucial run of fixtures in the coming weeks, facing Brighton & Hove Albion, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur. The Gunners will need to bounce back from their disappointment against Palace and claim maximum points if they hope to remain in contention for the Premier League crown.