Crystal Palace 2-3 Arsenal: 5 talking points

After being dismantled at Selhurst Park last season, Arsenal were out on a mission not to suffer a similar fate. Going into the game, Arsenal had won just two away games, so they weren't really the favourites. On the other hand, Crystal Palace went into the game on their longest unbeaten streak in the top-flight since 1990.

In an end to end game, Crystal Palace’s unbeaten streak was put to the sword as Arsenal ran out 3-2 winners at Selhurst Park. A brace from Alexis Sánchez and an unlikely cool finish from Shkodran Mustafi gave Arsène Wenger’s men all 3 points. Arsenal remain sixth in the league table, only 1 point behind 4th placed Liverpool. While for Roy Hodgson, Crystal Palace sit in 16th, only 1 point above the relegation zone.

Here are the main talking points from the game.

#5 Calum Chambers brought into the starting XI

Crystal Palace v Arsenal - Premier League — Calum Chambers has played 247 minutes of football this season

Many were surprised to see the 22-year-old in the line-up, as he hadn't played a single minute of Premier League football this season prior to the Palace tie. Arsène Wenger had made it abundantly clear that Rob Holding is also ahead of him in the pecking order. Alas, Calum Chambers was given his opportunity against Crystal Palace, in return, he gave us a mixed performance, simultaneously showing us his potential whilst displaying his glaringly obvious deficiencies.

Reminiscent of his horror show against Jefferson Montero, Calum Chambers let Wilfred Zaha beat him down the flank to set up Palace’s first goal. After that, he looked a bag nerves, petrified every time every time Zaha touched the ball. The Englishman regained composure after that rocky spell, helping to sure things up at the back before an untimely set piece goal was conceded.

In his rare start for the Gunners, Chambers won 4 aerials, made 7 clearances, created 1 chance and completed 85% of his passes. With Nacho Monreal out injured, the youngster has given Arsène Wenger food for thought.

#4 Christian Benteke ineffective

It’s pretty obvious that without aerial service, Christian Benteke is completely useless as one of the eleven. Despite only scoring once this season, Benteke is undoubtedly one of Crystal Palace’s catalysts for change. When he plays well his teammates feed off his enthusiasm and provide off the ball movement in accordance.

Unfortunately for the Belgian striker he just wasn’t on the same wavelength with his teammates. His partner in crime Wilfred Zaha decided not to launch in many lofted crosses, most of them were instead drilled crosses.

This lack of aerial service meant Benteke was restricted to only making 14 passes, completing one dribble, missing out on 52% of his aerial duels and on top of all that, he didn’t even attempt one shot on target. The star striker was overpowered and marked out of the game by a surprisingly game Arsenal back three.

#3 Jack Wilshere is well and truly back to his best

Jack Wilshere has now started four straight games for Arsenal in the Premier League, this is literally unchartered territory for the Englishman. It’s no locker room secret that Jack Wilshere is one of the most talented footballers at the Emirates and many knew that if he had a consistent run of games, his talent would once again shine through. At Selhurst Park, the 25-year-old put in perhaps his best performance thus far.

Being in a midfield pivot with Granit Xhaka means at times you may be left on your own, but Wilshere handled that risk with ease. He measured his surges forward in accordance with Xhaka’s rash movement. However, even though he found himself deep at times, he was still able to create chances for the forwards.

The 25-year-old maintained a 94% pass accuracy, completed 2 dribbles, created 1 chance and provided 1 amazing assist.

#2 Wilfred Zaha is the Eagles’ talisman

It’s puzzling Wilfred Zaha isn’t playing for a top-six side today. Apart from Riyad Mahrez, there’s no better footballer playing in a team outside of top six than Zaha. The Ivorian has directly contributed to 5 Premier League goals this campaign.

It was his trickery and willingness to run at defenders that allowed Crystal Palace score their opening goal. He got the better of Chambers down the wing and then had the composure to pick out Andros Townsend on the edge of the box.

The 25-year-old is the man for the big occasion, proving himself in games against Chelsea and now Arsenal this season. This contribution against the Gunners means the Ivorian has provided three assists in his last two games against Arsenal.

On top of an assist, Wilfred Zaha completed 3 successful take-ons, created 5 chances, attempted 4 shots on goal and provided 1 assist in a game Palace could have easily collected points from.

#1 Alexis Sánchez silences the doubters

So as a world-class forward what do you do when your team is drawing to a mid-table side? Score 2 goals in 4 minutes to give your side all three points. A lot has been said about Alexis Sánchez’s attitude on the pitch and commitment off of it, but he once again proved them wrong. Seven goals and three assists in 15 league starts suggest that Alexis will be world class at whatever club he goes to.

Some even try to discredit his productivity by highlighting his tendency to give the ball away. Last night, the Chilean was dispossessed 7 times and misplaced 9 passes, but regardless, he still scored 2 goals, created 2 chances, completed 5 successful take-ons and attempted 3 tackles. His attitude was perfect, and he had the skill and ability to match once again.

Edited by Amit Mishra