Arsenal’s impressive recent resurgence in the Premier League was checked by Crystal Palace as their attack failed to spark in a dismal 0-0 draw at the Emirates on Thursday, reports Reuters.
Mikel Arteta’s side were bidding for a fourth successive league win but could find no way through an obdurate Palace who, if anything, might feel they could have emerged with a win.
Palace were well worth their point and were the better side in the first half in which defender James Tomkins headed against the crossbar and Christian Benteke went close.
Arsenal controlled the second half but rarely troubled Palace goalkeeper Vicente Guaita.
They remained in 11th spot in the standings with 24 points from 18 games with Palace two places lower with 23 points.
The main positives for Arsenal were a first home clean sheet in the league this season and the return of Thomas Partey as a second-half substitute having recovered from injury. Palace manager Roy Hodgson was happy with a point.
“I am more than satisfied. We created opportunities and in the second half we wasted positions on the break. We defended excellently and I am very proud of them,” he said.
“We probably didn't do enough to win the game,” Arteta said. “We are playing a lot of games and you can see fatigue is paying a price, many players aren't fresh.”