Arsenal 2-2 Crystal Palace: 5 talking points as Alexandre Lacazette snatches a last-gasp equalizer | Premier League 2021-22 

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#3 Arsenal will be sweating on Bukayo Saka's fitness

Bukayo Saka has impressed for Arsenal

Bukayo Saka has been one of the revelations for Arsenal in recent years, and his overall importance to the side cannot be underestimated.

The 20-year-old had a poor start to Monday's game and was one of several Arsenal players who struggled in the first half. He was even shown a booking for a cynical challenge shortly before being on the end of one himself.

Saka hobbled off the field to receive treatment and despite the best efforts of the medical team, he failed to take to the field after the restart.

There has been no official confirmation on the severity of the injury. However, with Arsenal due to play at the Emirates in just five days, fans of the club will be hoping Saka is available.

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#2 Lacazette's impressive cameo off the bench could boost his chances of becoming a regular

Alexandre Lacazette scored an injury-time equalizer

Alexandre Lacazette had a far from ideal start to the new season, as a positive COVID-19 test meant he saw out the club's opening games.

He has been restricted to cup competitions since his return to full fitness, with his only start of the season coming in a 3-0 League Cup victory over Wimbledon.

The 30-year-old was on the bench for the entirety of the 3-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur. He also saw only 19 minutes of action against Brentford before the international break.

His introduction against Crystal Palace changed the direction of the game. Arsenal immediately moved into the ascendancy, with the Emirates crowd backing them accordingly.

The former Lyon striker scored a deserved equalizer at the death. With his goal, he must have moved up a notch in Mikel Arteta's potential starting lineup on Friday.

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#1 Is it a case of two points dropped or one gained for Arsenal?

Arsenal have been on the ascendancy in recent weeks

Arsenal started the season in disastrous fashion and failed to score in any of their opening three league games, conceding nine in the process.

This saw the pressure mount on Mikel Arteta. However, a run of five successive wins, capped by an impressive victory in the north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur, brought a breath of fresh air.

A hard-fought goalless draw away to a resilient and improving Brighton was commendable, but the Gunners expected to get back on track with another derby win.

Things were seemingly on track when Augameyang fired the hosts ahead with an early goal. However, that was as good as it got in a first half that was controlled by the visitors.

Crystal Palace have a poor record against Arsenal historically, with just five wins from 50 matches against their city rivals.

The Selhurst Park outfit have, however, been a bogey team for Arsenal in recent years. The Gunners had won just one of their last six matches against the Eagles before Monday.

In fact, Crystal Palace have not lost any of their last three visits to the Emirates, winning one and drawing two. This run became four matches undefeated on Monday.

The results in recent years meant the game was going to be far from straightforward for the hosts. However, their improving form, coupled with an early lead, gave reason for optimism.

In the grand scheme of things, Arsenal snatching a point at the death in a game that they hardly controlled represents a win. However, it could have been much better had they applied themselves more.