6 Points to note as Crystal Palace hold Arsenal to a 2-2 draw

#5 Another story of two halves for Arsenal

Arsenal was so-so in the first half, as Palace were very combative and Arsenal matched them mostly. However, in the second half, Arsenal was more incisive and managed to get in front via Xhaka and Aubameyang. They looked more direct, and it paid off via the two quick goals.

Arsenal in recent games have played better in second halves, and it seems this is more than accidental. Is this a tactical ploy by Emery? Who knows? Maybe he realizes the team is still weak defensively, and he knows that the team can outscore any other team readily. Whatever the cause, whether intentional or not, it's an intriguing pattern unfolding.

This could be worrisome against other teams, such as Liverpool to come, who have world-class forwards like Salah, Firmino, and Mane. It could also be a boon, since Liverpool is not invulnerable, and Arsenal has top forwards to boot who can frighten any defence.