Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards has admitted Arsenal are “the best team in the league” but couldn’t resist pointing out a flaw that could derail their title charge.
The Gunners scraped a hard-fought 1-0 win over Palace in a cagey affair at Selhurst Park, a game that again showcased Arsenal’s trademark defensive discipline… but also their continuing struggle in front of goal.
Oliver Glasner’s Palace have been a nightmare for the Premier League’s elite this year, drawing with Arsenal at the Emirates, beating Man City in the FA Cup, and taking down Liverpool both in the Community Shield and the league. And on Sunday, they made life difficult once more.
Despite dominating large spells, Arsenal’s attack misfired. Clear chances were few and far between, and had it not been for a flash of brilliance from Eberechi Eze, the scoreline might have looked very different.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Richards gave Arsenal credit where it was due, but didn’t shy away from exposing their Achilles heel:
“I think everybody knows how Arsenal are defensively, and we needed to take our chances.
Set-pieces are probably their forte right now. But we went toe-to-toe with the best team in the league.”
Richards is spot on. Arsenal’s set-pieces have become lethal under Mikel Arteta, and their defensive shape is arguably the best in England. But in open play? The spark just isn’t quite there.
If the Gunners can rediscover that ruthless attacking rhythm, the slick passing, the clinical edge, they won’t just be the best team in the league. They’ll be unstoppable.
Right now, Arsenal look like a machine built to defend and dominate. But until they start finishing like champions, that one weakness could haunt them when it matters most.
