Premier League 2017/18: Crystal Palace 2-3 Arsenal, Player Ratings

Andros Townsend couldn't help his side get one over Arsenal

Arsene Wenger's men secured a vital three points halting Crystal Palace's record-breaking 8-game winning streak in the Premier League with a 3-2 win.

Arsenal's Shkodran Mustafi scored the opener before Palace levelled minutes into the second half thanks to a lovely finish from former Tottenham man, Andros Townsend. A double from Alexis Sanchez gave Arsenal a commanding lead only for the home side to scare the Gunners thanks to a late second goal from James Tomkins.

Unfortunately for Palace, Arsenal held on. Here's how the players fared:

Crystal Palace

Julian Speroni - 6/10

All the three goals he conceded tonight against the Gunners came at his near post. Did produce a couple of saves b

ut should've saved a lot more.

Jeffrey Schlupp - 7/10

Did well in the second half constantly threating Arsenal's defence and should've had an assist or two but for the opposing centre-backs. Promising signs.

Scott Dann - 6/10

Got beaten too easily everytime Arsenal attacked down the centre. Never quite looked firm throughout the game.

James Tomkins - 7.5/10

His inconsistency in the back was made up by his thumping goal in the second half. Gave Crystal Palace hope with that strike but unfortunately, it didn't pan out completely.

Martin Kelly - 6/10

Never got into the game and even though he did a decent job with Sanchez in the second half, he was taken off for a more attacking option by Roy Hodgson.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek - 6/10

Hardly ever saw a contribution from the Chelsea man and he'll need to improve if he still harbours a chance of making it in Antonio Conte's first team.

Luka Milivojevic - 7/10

Had a game-high seven interceptions and put in five successful tackles but was often overrun in midfield by the way Arsenal were set up.

Yohan Cabaye - 6/10

It's been a slow but sure fall from grace for the French international. Well past his prime and taken off seven minutes into the second half.

Andros Townsend - 8/10

Crystal Palace's best player of the night. Linked-up well with his forwards and scored thanks to a lovely finish to bring his side back into the game.

Wilfred Zaha - 6.5/10

All flash, no substance - except for that assist for Palace's equaliser.

Christian Benteke - 6/10

Back from his ban and back into the kind of form he showed in the first half of the year. Not good, if you're wondering.

Substitutes

James McArthur - 6.5/10

Came on for Cabaye and didn't really improve the side but did record one key pass to his name.

Bakary Sako - 6.5/10

Did give Palace a chance to score - through Zaha - but did nothing much else to earn himself a better rating.

Timothy Fosu-Mensah - 6/10

Played the last ten minutes of the game but couldn't help his side earn a point.

Alexis Sanchez (R) scored twice to help Arsenal get all three points.

Arsenal

Petr Cech - 6/10

Couldn't do much for Palace's opener and their second but the Cech from a few years ago could've saved both.

Laurent Koscielny - 7/10

Put in a good performance with Arsenal shifting back to a back-three but should've done better to prevent Townsend's effort in the second half.

Shkodran Mustafi - 8/10

Commanded the defence really well from the centre and took his goal like a seasoned forward. Top class performance from the German tonight.

Calum Chambers - 7.5/10

Did well to keep the tricky Zaha grounded and it's nice to see him back in the first-team. He's one for the future and performances like this will help him.

Sead Kolasinac - 7/10

Such an impressive player when he runs down on the left but didn't contribute as much to his attack as he normally would.

Jack Wilshere - 8/10

Showing glimpses of that magic and burst he can toy around with a 93% passing accuracy and his assist for Alexis Sanchez's second was a thing of beauty. Glad to have him back. (Touch wood)

Granit Xhaka - 6.5/10

Not the best of nights for the Swiss international but his 90% passing accuracy is commendable.

Hector Bellerin - 7/10

Spent most of the game in the opposing half and should've scored from a shot on target. Getting back to his best.

Alexis Sanchez - 9.5/10

Two incredibly delightful finishes from the Chilean today and he stayed on the field to thank the fans. Don't read too much into it though.

Mesut Ozil - 7.5/10

Missed two big chances in the game to finish it off for Arsenal but his timing of the runs and the weight of his passes are just luxurious.

Alexander Lacazette - 7.5/10

Was unhappy when taken off in the game and ran and ran and ran all night long looking for the pass. Weirdly, we saw the same run from Sanchez once and Wilshere found him. Don't read too much into that too.

Substitutes

Francis Coquelin - 6.5/10

Came to shore up Arsenal's midfield and did some of it. Didn't quite get into the game given the limited time.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles - 6.5/10

Had a good run down the left flank but again, was on the field for too short a period of time to merit a higher rating.