Michael Owen is expecting Arsenal to only come away with a draw when they face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park tomorrow night.
The BT Sport pundit believes the Gunners’ performance levels have dropped off in recent weeks, and he feels Palace have enough about them to stop Mike Arteta’s side from getting the victory:
“Fourth spot is still in Arsenal’s hands, but they can’t afford any dropped points. I don’t think they’ve been playing at their best in the last couple of weeks, but the results have been good. I can see Palace making a real game of this. They drew at the Emirates earlier this season and with the Selhurst crowd behind them, I can see another draw here.”
Owen has gone with a 1-1 draw, which is not an unfair prediction, considering the Eagles very recently held league leaders Manchester City at home.
Patrick Vieira has got his team very well organised and Arsenal will find it difficult to break them down. Patience will be needed and, while dropping points would be disappointing, it would not be the end of the world.
Saying that, though, you do feel that, if the Gunners do get an early goal, they can hold out for a win, like they did versus Aston Villa last time out. The key will be to get off to a good start and keep their opponents quiet. We shall see if they can rise to the challenge.
