Arsenal played host to Crystal Palace in the Premier League, taking on the Eagles in a huge clash in the context of the campaign.
The Gunners took the lead in the match as Jakub Kiwior nodded home from a free-kick just minutes into the tie.
Former Arsenal academy star Eberechi Eze then levelled the match with his outstanding volley on the edge of the box, stunning the Emirates Stadium.
The home side took the lead again, though, as Leandro Trossard’s finish restored their advantage.
Jean-Philippe Mateta continued the theme of brilliant finishes for Crystal Palace, digging out a lofted strike to find the back of the net.
So with that said, here’s a look at a few things we learned from Arsenal’s clash with Crystal Palace.
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Jakub Kiwior’s set-piece impact
You’d be forgiven for thinking that Arsenal’s set-piece threat was diminished after the injury to Gabriel Magalhaes put him out of action for the rest of the season.
The centre-back had been a huge contributor to goals from corners and free-kicks, with others still able to make an impact.
Despite his absence, the replacement in Jakub Kiwior showed that he is more than capable of making an impact too.
The Poland international scored his first goal of the season from a free-kick just moments into the game, showing his ability in the air.
Coupling that with a solid defensive display, he has shown why he could be crucial to a successful end to the season.
David Raya’s shaky evening for Arsenal
While there were some decent displays across the team, it was far from a comfortable evening for goalkeeper David Raya.
There was little the Spaniard could do to deny Eze’s opener for Crystal Palace, but it was the other moments that caused some stress.
Raya looked nervous when it came to claiming the ball from crosses into the area, missing out on one entirely and looking uncomfortable in others.
While it wasn’t costly in the end, there is some hope that the goalkeeper doesn’t carry that into next week.
PSG team selection decisions
Mikel Arteta faced some difficult questions to answer on his Arsenal team and who should be starting or dropped for the clash with PSG in the Champions League next week.
Both Mikel Merino and Ben White were absent from the Arsenal squad, with the manager claiming that it was down to fitness issues.
It’s unclear whether they are serious concerns, with plenty hopeful that it was a decision to rest them before the coming clash.
Another big call was dropping Bukayo Saka, who was on the bench, and while it was claimed to be another fitness question, he managed to make a 30-minute cameo.
It remains to be seen whether it’s a call made by the manager or one that was truly enforced.
Leandro Trossard’s importance for Arsenal
With no Merino available, Arteta turned to Leandro Trossard as his starting centre-forward option for Arsenal.
The Belgian international made a telling contribution, scoring a crucial goal for the Gunners to put them in the lead before the break.
If Merino isn’t available for the first leg against PSG, then at least Trossard offers an important replacement for that position.
Eddie Nketiah’s frustrations
There was a return for Eddie Nketiah at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night, receiving a warm reception from the Arsenal fans.
While the Gunners have striker issues, Nketiah has problems of his own in front of goal for Crystal Palace.
Nketiah has just the one Premier League goal this season since making the switch from Arsenal, and he easily could’ve had one or two more against his old team.
A mixture of poor fortune, with Kiwior playing well with some last-ditch defending, and the finishing touch going missing has cost him a chance to kick on.
The struggles in front of the goal continue for Nketiah, not matching the clear effort he is putting in during the match.
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