Mikel Arteta has called on his Arsenal side to rediscover their energy and focus ahead of a crucial Champions League semifinal against Paris Saint-Germain, after a disappointing 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace left Liverpool on the verge of clinching the Premier League title.
The Gunners were looking to build momentum before their first Champions League semifinal appearance since 2009, but their uninspired display at the Emirates on Wednesday offered little cause for optimism.
Jakub Kiwior gave Arsenal an early lead with a third-minute header, but the advantage was wiped out when Eberechi Eze volleyed home in the 27th minute. Leandro Trossard restored the lead just before the break, only for substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta to punish a defensive lapse with a sublime lob over a stranded David Raya in the 83rd minute.
The draw leaves Arsenal 12 points behind leaders Liverpool with only four matches remaining, meaning Arne Slot’s side can secure the title on Sunday with just a point against Tottenham at Anfield.
With the Premier League race all but over, Arsenal’s attention has shifted to Europe, where they face a formidable PSG side that has already knocked out Liverpool and Aston Villa en route to the last four.
But Arteta admitted the lack of sharpness against Palace was far from ideal preparation for the biggest match of their season.
“We’re disappointed with the result and the performance,” Arteta said. “We lacked consistency in our play and struggled to control the game. Palace were well-organized and deserved credit, but we dropped our standards.”
“It felt like we were late to everything—late to challenges, late in decision-making. We gave the ball away far too easily. We have to raise our level.”
The draw marked Arsenal’s ninth this season in games where they held the lead—more than any other side in a single campaign since Tottenham’s 2007-08 season. It’s a pattern that has cost the Gunners dearly, as they look set to finish runners-up in the Premier League for a third straight year.
With 13 draws in 34 league games, Arsenal’s inability to close out matches has left Liverpool in touching distance of a record-equalling 20th English league title.
While Arteta dismissed the notion that his players were distracted by their Champions League ambitions, he acknowledged the benefit of a six-day break before facing PSG.
“We’ve spoken about staying focused on the task at hand,” he said. “There’s enough time to prepare for PSG, but tonight we didn’t do enough to win. It’s good to have a break now—we need to regroup, recover injured players, and raise our standards.”
“We’ve got the most important game of the season coming up. We need to get our energy back.”
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, showed no signs of easing off despite their own FA Cup semifinal against Aston Villa looming. Manager Oliver Glasner rotated key players including Mateta and Ismaila Sarr but was full of praise for his team’s character.
“We weren’t out to influence the title race—our goal was to win,” Glasner said. “A draw is a great result, but more importantly, the performance was strong. We showed our identity and character. It’s vital we carry this energy and confidence into the semifinal.”