Preview: Arsene Wenger will want a better performance
When it comes to performances, Arsenal's latest against Southampton was not that impressive. A two goal draw allowed Manchester City to top the Premier League, with a one point advantage.
On Sunday, the Gunners will get a chance to pass the Citizens once again. They will welcome a new look Crystal Palace to the Emirates, with Palace looking to continue their turn around under Tony Pulis.
The Gunners have won eight of their last 10 at home, and drew twice. In that stretch, they have outscored their opponents 19-1. With Palace only managing to score five away goals in 11 Premier League fixtures, the visitors could be forced to really dig in.
Arsene Wenger will know that he needs a solid performance from his players on Sunday as well.
"They have a strong belief certainly," said the Arsenal manager when asked about their upcoming match. "They don't concede goals, they have a very efficient game and recently they had consistent results so it is for us and for them a very important game."
Mathieu Flamini will miss the match after picking up a red card against Southampton. Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere will also miss out due to injury. Tomas Rosicky will likely return after missing out with a broken nose.
His presence in the midfield will offer the hosts more creativity and movement going forward, unlike Arteta and Flamini together. Both are not offensive minded players, which could have hurt Arsenal going forward at St. Mary's.
They will also have to be careful of Crystal Palace's counter-attack. Tony Pulis has helped the Eagles find consistency since his arrival.
From 11 away fixtures in the Premier League, they only have two victories, and both came since Pulis arrived. That should be a clear sign that Welsh manager is started to get Palace on the right track.
Pulis will have an organized side at the Emirates, and they will look to hurt the Gunners on the quick break. Set-pieces will also be a big focus for the visitors. The longer they can keep the hosts off the scoresheet, the more confidence they will have in each other.
Arsenal has proven that they can struggle to break down very defensive teams at times. Just as West Ham did at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea, the same, or close to it can be expected on Sunday. Arsenal will have to be patient, but they will also have to attack with pace or else Palace will defend comfortably.
If Arsene Wenger's squad wants to win the Premier League, these are the matches they cannot afford to drop points in.
Where to watch this match - live stream, start time, TV channels, live scores
Watch Arsenal vs Crystal Palace live on Sunday, February 2, 2014:
In Canada at 11:00 ET on: Sportsnet World, TalkSport Radio
In the UK at 16:00 GMT on: Sky Sports 1 Ireland, Sky Sports 1/HD, BBC One, NOW TV, Arsenal Player, BBC Radio 5 Live, Sky Go
In the USA at 11:00 ET on: SiriusXM FC, NBCSN, NBC Sports Live Extra, TalkSport Radio
Full TV listings can be found on the Arsenal vs Crystal Palace match page.
