EPL 2016/17: Crystal Palace 3-0 Arsenal, 5 talking points
The Premier League’s last game of the weekend provided the world a highly entertaining match. In a game between Crystal Palace and Arsenal, it was Sam Allardyce’s men that claimed all three points in front of a ruckus Selhurst Park.
In an open affair, it was Crystal Palace who took the lead in the 16th minute when Wilfred Zaha’s mis-hit shot found its way to Andros Townsend six yards out. The score would stay 1-0 until half time and after the break Palace would reaffirm their dominance. A Yohan Cabaye scooped lob on the 63rd minute would double their lead.
The game was officially put to bed five minutes later when Emiliano Martinez brought down a nimble Andros Townsend. Luka Milivojevic would step up to convert the penalty and gift wrap Arsenal a 3-0 defeat.
The defeat leaves Arsenal three points behind Manchester United on fifth and seven points behind fourth placed Manchester City. While Palace now sit six points above the relegation zone with a game in hand.
Here are 5 major talking points from the game.
#5 Granit Xhaka is finally controlling games
For the first time this season it seems as though Granit Xhaka has fully accepted his role as the sole conductor of Arsenal’s midfield. In the midst of a faltering Gunners side, the Swiss international did all he could to shift play from side to side.
It’s not only the amount of passing he was producing, it’s the variation he did it with. He altered between drilling, floating and tapping passes to the wide channels of the pitch.
Granit Xhaka completed 94 out of his 107 passes, that’s 86 % pass accuracy, higher than anyone else on the pitch. Through this control, he was able to create four goalscoring opportunities for his teammates, opportunities they couldn’t capitalise on.
In order for Xhaka to become the complete holding midfielder, he must first work on his defensive positioning and ensure his attacking role doesn’t overshadow his defensive duties.