Patrick Vieira agonisingly denied a winning return to Arsenal with the last kick of the game as Alexandre Lacazette earns Gunners a point after Crystal Palace had come from behind to lead
- Patrick Vieira's return to Arsenal saw Crystal Palace leave the Emirates with an point after a 2-2 draw
- The Gunners enjoyed a brilliant start after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang found the net after just eight minutes
- But the Eagles levelled not long after the break as Christian Benteke before Odsonne Edouard put them ahead
- Substitute Alexandre Lacazette scored a late equaliser to salvage a point and extend Arsenal's unbeaten run
- Latest Premier League news, including live action and results
- Premier League table - as it stands
Patrick Vieira puffed out his cheeks. His team didn’t deserve this.
Alexandre Lacazette stole a point for Arsenal at the death; a point they barely deserved - Mikel Arteta will know that.
How Arteta could have done with a player of Vieira’s ilk last night. He wouldn’t have stood for this tepid Gunners performance.
He wouldn’t have allowed Arsenal to throw away a lead so meekly as they did.
Of course, it’s not his problem any more. It may be one day, you’d imagine Vieira is destined to return to Arsenal as manager one day.
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He’ll certainly be on their radar if he continues to mould Crystal Palace into an embodiment of himself. Tough and gritty but with a sense of style that leaves its mark on the pitch.
They had a plan. They executed. They should have won - if they did Arteta could have had no complaints.
Despite this heartache, Palace are heading in the right direction under Vieira.
That’s not something you can say with authority about Arteta and Arsenal, right now. Yet, somehow, Arsenal have stretched their unbeaten run to six matches - despite this performance that’s hard to argue with.
Quickly and powerfully out of the blocks, Arsenal’s early intentions were clear. Vieira had seen it all before, of course. The Arsenal teams he played in were often out of sight barely before the opposition had time to settle. Often they had them beaten before the game had kicked off.
The Arsenal teams Vieira played in were ruthless. Times change, though. Arsenal certainly have since those heady days.
But in Aubameyang - at least when he wants to be - the Gunners have a striker who would have fitted into Arsene Wenger’s moat accomplished teams quite comfortably.
The Arsenal captain was sharp when Vicente Guaita clawed out Nicolas Pepe’s arcing effort that was heading towards the top-right hand corner.
Aubameyang was certainly more alert than the man who was meant to be marking him; James McArthur, whose split second loss of concentration proved fatal.
All of sudden Aubameyang had burst in front of the Palace midfielder. All of a sudden Arsenal were taking an eighth minute lead, the Gabonese prodding home from close range at the back post.
It was no less than Arsenal deserved; Palace, for all their recent improvement under Vieira were tentative.
The Palace boss’ response was to whip off his coat and stand hands on hips in his technical area.
Even at 45 years of age, that’s still a menacing sight. And slowly but surely, his team started to react.
Christian Benteke saw his, albeit tame, penalty appeal turned down by Mike Dean in the 13th minute before the Belgian tested Aaron Ramsdale with a low shot from distance.
Having resembled a rabbit caught in the headlights during the opening exchanges, Palace were finding their feet.
They were doing it with a swagger, too. It will take a while for this squad to fully adapt to Vieira’s possession-based style after the directness of Roy Hodgson’s football.
But the Frenchman’s message certainly appears to be seeping through. Odsonne Edouard and Benteke both missed opportunities before the break before Ramsdale denied Connor Gallagher’s brilliantly executed volley from 20 yards to ensure Arsenal kept their lead at half-time.
Palace were behind, yet Vieira would have been encouraged by his team’s first-half.
In contrast, despite the score, you’d imagine Arteta wouldn’t have been too enamoured with what he’d seen.
Partly because he had to replace Bukayo Saka with Albert Sambi Lokongo at half-time after McArthur’s reckless whack on the England international’s ankles just before the break.
But primarily because his team, having threatened to steamroll Palace, had faded to give their London rivals hope.
Indeed, that hope manifested into a deserved equaliser in the 50th minute.
Takehiro Tomiyasu’s square pass into Thomas Partey was an accident waiting to happen. Jordan Ayew didn’t need a second invitation, stealing the ball away from Partey before it broke to Benteke.
The Palace’s striker’s execution was clinical, striding forward before firing an unstoppable low shot beyond Ramsdale to level.
Vieira swung his clenched fists in elation as the Emirates let out a collective groan.
But Arsenal had got exactly what they deserved, no-one in the stadium could argue against that.
Ramsdale tipped Ayew’s rasping effort over the bar just 10 minutes as Palace sensed blood.
Arteta responded by introducing Alexandre Lacazette in place of Martin Odegaard in search of a second, and the Frenchman was denied by Guaita after Aubameyang’s excellent flick just moments after his substitution.
But by this point, Palace were oozing confidence and style; carrying threat whenever they broke.
So it was no surprise when Edouard fired the Eagles ahead in the 73rd minute, firing off the underside of the crossbar following excellent build-up play from Gallagher and substitute Michael Olise.
Vieira’s arms were aloft, Arteta stood with his hands in his pocket.
But just when Vieira thought he’d left his spiritual home with an unforgettable win; Lacazette slammed home from close range to break Palace hearts.
Catch up on all the action from Crystal Palace's agonising 2-2 draw with Arsenal with Sportsmail's ISABEL BALDWIN.
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Isabel Baldwin Host commentator
Palace miss out on the chance to climb above Arsenal after Lacazette's last-gasp equaliser salvages a point for the hosts.
And they can!
Returning hero Patrick Vieira's has been floored by a dramatic late equaliser from Arsenal substitute Alexandre Lacazette as the Gunner's snatch a point at the Emirates.
The Frenchman has looked sharp ever since coming on and has finally ben rewarded.
Four minutes of added time have been announced.
Is it enough for Arsenal to find something special and steal a point?
A call for VAR is quickly dismissed.
Nicholas Pepe finds the ball on the right side and surges into the box before taking a tumble.
His theatrics are quickly dismissed by Mike Dean who's having none of it.
What a miss!
A sure sign things aren't going Arsenal's way tonight.
The ball comes out to Kieran Tierney who is completely unmarked on the far side of the box.
He has plenty of time to take a touch and pick his spot but he thunders an effort at the crossbar.
Odsonne Edouard replaced by James Tomkins.
The Eagles striker is met with a standing ovation as he leaves the pitch past the travelling supporters.
Mikel Arteta turns to Gabriel Martinelli as the Brazilian comes on for Thomas Partey to provide Arsenal with another greatly needed goal threat.
Scrap that.
Just when Arsenal looked like they were going to pull ahead again, Palace score against the run of play.
Lokongo loses the ball on the attack and Gallagher leads the Palace counter attack charge.
The balls ends up with Edouard on the edge of the area who sends a rather unorthodox effort past Ramsdale and into the roof of the net.
Since Lacazette came on Arsenal have looked like a goal threat once again.
Lokongo plays the ball in to Aubameyang who hits a one-touch pass in to Lacazette who sends a curling effort towards goal that is excellently tipped around the post by Guaita.
The Frenchman has certainly livened things up on the pitch.
Michael Olise comes on for Jordan Ayew
Palace also make a change as Lucas Milivojevic comes off for Cheikhou Kouyate.
Odegaard makes way for Alexandre Lacazette, who scored for Arsenal the last time they beat Palace.
It's a move the crowd clearly approve of.
Could it be a good omen for the Gunners as they look to pull ahead again?
Arteta's side looking to push forward as they aim to put themselves back in front.
Thomas Partey twists away from two Crystal Palace players and goes for goal from distance again.
Once again, not far off.
Palace are benefitting from a surge of momentum since equalising and another wonderful chance presents itself for the visitors.
Crystal Palace get forward quickly and Odsonne Edouard runs towards the box as the Arsenal defence backs off.
The ball falls to Ayew on the edge of the area who lashes a shot at the Arsenal goal.
And Ramsdale had to help that one over.
Palace burst of dominance at the end of the first-half pays off as they find an equaliser not long after the restart.
It's a horrible mistake from a Gunners' point of view.
Partey is sloppy in possession, gets caught square and loses the ball to Jordan Ayew in his own half before the ball is played to Benteke on the edge of the area.
The striker missed some sitters in earlier in the game but he wasn't squandering this one as he fires home from 18 yards to draw the game level.
Game on!
So close to a corker for Thomas Partey!
The midfielder picks up the ball around 35 yards from goal and hits a curling effort at goal that goes just wide of the mark.
I reckon Guaita was a tad was worried about that one as he scrambled across goal!
James McArthur's challenge late into the first-half seems to have made his mark on Bukayo Saka as he makes way for Sambi Lokongo.
Plenty of fans unhappy with that rash challenge, could it spice up this second-half?
Meanwhile, Jamie Carragher tells SkySports MNF:'Arsenal made a brilliant start. I've questioned (Aubameyang) before. But just look at him, he's running at full pace, sprinting across the pitch.'
A terrific save to deny Crystal Palace an equaliser on the brink of half-time!
A late chance comes as Gallagher lets fly with a vicious right-footed effort that forces a spectacular save from Ramsdale.
As we head into added time, the first corner of the game arrives for Palace.
A break from Palace down the right with Ayew wins the corner for the visitors.
Milivojevic swings the ball in from the right flank and finds Benteke who flicks it on to McArthur. But his effort is straight at Ramsdale who saves well.
It's offside anyway so wouldn't have stood even if it found the net.
James McArthur does find himself in the book this time.
In almost immediate retaliation to Saka's yellow, McArthur swings a very wild boot at the Arsenal youngster's leg.
Bukayo Saka clips Ayewvand Mike Dean immediately shows the game's first yellow card
The Arsenal support rather cynical in response to that booking after McArthur got away with on similar earlier.
Mitchell's well-anticipated move sees him latch on to a loose ball from a heavy touch by Thomas Partey and aggressively pass by the Arsenal backline.
Smart thinking from Mitchell then sees him pull the ball back to Edouard in the box but he rockets it over the bar.
Odegaard gives away free kick in a dangerous position as he catches Jordan Ayew.
It serves a golden opportunity up on a platter to Palace but Luka Milivojevic's terrible delivery fails to beat the first man.
What a waste.
A chance the Eagles should have done better with and Arsenal are off the hook.
The Gunners should be concerned they allowed Benteke to turn on the edge of the box so easily.
McArthur picks up the ball in the middle of the park and feeds it into Benteke on the edge of the area.
The presence of Gallagher to his left seems to panic the Arsenal defence and Benteke is allowed to get a shot away but it fails to find the corner and his stopped by Ramsdale who has finally seen a bit of action in goal over the last five minutes or so.
A first shot on goal for Crystal Palace!
Conor Gallagher and Odsonne Edouard exchange a nice series of passes to open up the Arsenal defence.
Gallagher shoots from the edge of the box but it's held up by Ramsdale.
Another chance for the hosts.
Jordan Ayew is caught on the ball inside his own half by Thomas Partey who tees the ball up for Emile Smith Rowe.
After surging forward the midfielder attempts a shot from range despite falling. The fizzing, low effort is easily scooped up by Guaita.
Arsenal are causing Palace all sorts of problems.
Palace's stats without Zaha don't look great do they...
The Eagles have played 23 without the talisman and won just three and lost 18, failing to score in 18.
Not exactly reassuring for Vieira.
Pepe's ball into the box takes a touch off a Palace player and goes behind for their second corner of the game.
Odegaard's delivery is into the middle of the box and after a scramble Pepe's snapshot is wayward and the visitors seize the chance to clear.
I'd say Aubameyang rather enjoyed that one...
It's an extremely half-hearted penalty appeal for the visitors.
Benteke picks up the ball around 30 yards from goal and dribbles into a crowded penalty area before going down.
He gestures for a penalty but Mike Dean is having none of it - and rightly so.
The home crowd are loving the strong start from Arsenal.
The Gunners are barely giving Palace a sniff of the ball as they rampage on the hunt for a second.
Aubameyang on the rebound!
He's on quite the streak at home.
Bukayo Saka causes a problem as he dribbles in from the left and wins a corner off Joel Ward.
The resulting kick sees the ball played out to Nicolas Pepe on the right flank who hits a wonderful curling effort at goal.
Guita thinks he's done enough as he parries the ball away but Aubameyang is there at the back post with quick reactions.
There's still work to be done, however. It's a tight angle but his wonderful finish finds the back of the net.
It's exactly the fast start Arsenal were looking for.
Arsenal are sloppy in possession and Benteke takes advantage with a powerful run but an excellent defensive midfield intervention from Thomas Partey stops him in his tracks.
It's the home side who have seen most of the ball in the first two minutes but it slips out of their possession.
Luckily for them, Palace can't hold onto it either.
Peep peep!
The players kneel in support of football's anti-racism message and we're underway at the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta believes it will be a deserved hero's welcome back for Patrick Vieira when he makes his way down the tunnel.
'It will be a deserved welcome back to the club after what he did,' he tells Sky Sports.
'I think Palace deserve much more than what they have after the performances they have had. Patrick has completely changed the style of the team.
'We had to react and rebuild from the situation we were in. That is in the past now.'
'He wasn't feeling well at all and didn't have any training with the team. He's feeling better but wasn't good enough for him to be part of the squad today.'
Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira made 279 Premier League appearances for Arsenal, with only five players making more for the club in the competition. Vieira will be just the fourth person to have played for the Gunners in the Premier League and then managed against them in the competition, after David O’Leary (W3 D2 L9), Tony Adams (L1) and Remi Garde (L1).
Gary Neville insists fans were too quick to judge Arsenal at the start of the season following their tough start and depleted numbers.
'We probably were a bit harsh on them at the early stage of the season. They had a really tough start, and they were really depleted against Brentford,' he says on SkySports MNF.
Arsenal's sole change comes as Lokonga drops out and Pepe comes in.
Meanwhile Zaha is out for Palace after coming back feeling poorly from international duty and Benteke takes up the baton up front.
Arsenal: Ramsdale, Tomiyasu, White, Gabriel, Tierney, Thomas, Odegaard, Pepe, Smith-Rowe, Saka, Aubameyang.
Subs: Leno, Lacazette, Maitland-Niles, Holding, Cedric, Tavares, Sambi Lokonga, Elneny, Martinelli.
Crystal Palace: Guaita, Ward, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell, Gallagher, Milivojevic, McArthur, Ayew, Benteke, Edouard.
Subs: Butland, Tomkins, Olise, Kouyate, Hughes, Mateta, Schlupp, Clyne, Kelly.
Referee: Mike Dean
We will have confirmation of the two team line-ups for you in a few minutes.
Two former Arsenal captains face off in opposite dug outs at the Emirates tonight.
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