Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes were all but extinguished after a frustrating 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace at the Emirates on Wednesday night.
Jakub Kiwior’s early header gave the Gunners a dream start, but Eberechi Eze volleyed Palace level before Leandro Trossard restored Arsenal’s lead just before the break.
Substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta stunned the hosts with a sublime lob in the 83rd minute to earn the visitors a point.
The result leaves Mikel Arteta’s side 12 points behind leaders Liverpool with just four games to play, as their attention now turns to next week’s Champions League semi-final showdown with Paris Saint-Germain.
Arteta admitted his side looked off the pace and insisted they must “get our energy back” before facing the French champions.
An injury to makeshift striker Mikel Merino only added to Arsenal’s concerns, as the squad continues to battle fitness issues.
Crystal Palace, with one eye on Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final, impressed despite rotating key players. Manager Oliver Glasner hailed the performance, saying his team are “back on track.”
