Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has urged his players to regroup and recover their energy ahead of a critical Champions League semi-final showdown with Paris Saint-Germain, following a disappointing 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace on Wednesday.
The Gunners, returning to Europe’s elite last four for the first time since 2009, were hoping to build momentum with a Premier League win but instead saw their title hopes fade further as they allowed Palace to snatch a late equaliser.
Jakub Kiwior gave Arsenal an early lead with a third-minute header at the Emirates, but Eberechi Eze volleyed Palace level midway through the first half. Leandro Trossard restored Arsenal’s advantage just before the break, only for substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta to beat an out-of-position David Raya with a stunning lob in the 83rd minute.
Now 12 points behind leaders Liverpool with only four games remaining, Arsenal’s faint title hopes rest on Tottenham getting a result at Anfield on Sunday. Liverpool need just a point to seal their record-equalling 20th English league title.
Arteta was candid about his team’s struggles, pointing to a lack of consistency and focus. “We are disappointed with the result and performance. We didn’t find enough consistency in actions to dominate the game,” said the Spaniard. “We gave the ball away in simple ways and we were late in everything we did.”
Adding to the concerns, Mikel Merino missed the Palace match due to injury and remains doubtful for the PSG clash. Merino has recently been deployed as a makeshift striker due to injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
Arteta also noted defender Ben White’s status is unclear, further compounding the club’s growing injury list ahead of their most important fixture of the season.
Despite their slip in form, Arsenal remain focused on ending their five-year trophy drought in the Champions League. Arteta believes the extended gap before the PSG fixture will be crucial.
“It is nice to have a long gap — we need it,” he said. “We have the most important game of the season in six days. We need to get our energy back.”
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, produced a spirited display despite rotating ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa. Manager Oliver Glasner was pleased with his team’s performance and attitude.
“It was not our goal to decide the title, it was our goal to win the game,” Glasner said. “A draw is a very good result. More important is the performance. We are back on the track.”
