Arsenal vs Crystal Palace: Five things we learned from the Gunners' 3-2 defeat at home

Arsenal defence remains a work in progress

Arsenal had gone seven games without conceding a clean sheet until today, with Christian Benteke taking advantage of a disorganised host defence to open the scoring for the visitors. Poor marking was to blame as Arsenal failed to pick up the Belgian in the centre of the box. It was a similar story for the third goal, with the unmarked James McArthur heading past Leno from close range. As for Zaha’s strike, Shkodran Mustafi’s lapse in concentration as the last man proved decisive, with the Palace winger pouncing on a loose ball to put his side back in front.

All three of Palace’s goals served as a reminder that for all the development that has been made in recent months, Emery’s defence is still a work in progress. Indeed, it feels a more composed, focused and authoritative figure is missing from the backline.

Zaha puts his money where his mouth is

Wilfried Zaha made clear this week his desire to leave Crystal Palace in search of Champions League football and, on the back of today’s performance, there’s no doubting he’s capable of competing at a higher level. With his quick feet, surging runs and smart passes, the winger proved to be a handful for the Arsenal defence and was rewarded for his efforts with a well-taken goal. An all-round nuisance for much of the afternoon, you suspect Zaha’s days at Palace are numbered.

Emery’s half-time shake-up fails to save Arsenal

Arsenal were booed off at the break following a lacklustre first-half display which saw the hosts struggle to showcase the dynamism and verve that has defined their performances in recent weeks. But following Alex Iwobi and Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ introduction after the break, the home side came to life. As showcased in Mesut Ozil’s sublime goal – the German finishing with that distinctive dink of his – there was more zip and intensity to Arsenal’s play in the final third. However, as has been the case on numerous occasions this season, it was the failings in defence which served to undo their efforts.

Yet another reminder of need for VAR

Tottenham’s Champions League win over Manchester City on Wednesday night reaffirmed the role that will be played by VAR next season – and today was yet another reminder of why it is needed. Arsenal should have been handed a penalty in the first half after Aaron Wan-Bissaka handled the ball inside the Palace box – except both the referee and linesman missed the incident, prompting fury from the hosts and the home stands. It’s in instances like these where the intervention of VAR will ensure the correct decision is fairly reached.

Clinical edge missing from Arsenal

With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette leading the front line, and Ozil sat in behind, this should have been a more forceful demonstration in attacking prowess from Arsenal. Except, on this occasion, there was something missing. Arsenal were certainly effective in creating chances but a number of the host’s players struggled to deliver the final product inside the box. Whether it was a fluffed air-shot from the Lacazette or an off-target header from Mustafi at the back post, Arsenal repeatedly squandered their chances in front of goal. In the end, despite the improvement in tempo during the second half, they were made to pay the price.