Arsenal: Leandro Trossard underlines claim for PSG start but concerns emerge ahead of Champions League tie | OneFootball

Arsenal’s defensive performance has raised concerns ahead of the huge Champions League showdown with Paris Saint-Germain

Red hot form: Leandro Trossard

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The champagne at Anfield is still on ice - but only just.

The Gunners had looked on course to claim all three points after Jakub Kiwior had put them ahead inside three minutes.

That seemed like it would give Arsenal the win, however a late Jean-Philippe Mateta goal ensured the points were shared.

Arsenal uncharacteristically sloppy at the back

Even with a Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain looming on the horizon, Mikel Arteta chose to name a strong team.

The defence, in particular, was the one that will likely start the first leg against PSG at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.

They will need to defend much better than this, though, as the Gunners were uncharacteristically sloppy at the back.

Mikel Arteta will not have enjoyed Arsenal’s defensive performance against Crystal Palace

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No more was that summed up than for Mateta’s strike in there 83rd minute, which earned Palace a point.

William Saliba played a loose pass to Martin Odegaard and Mateta was able to pounce on it.

David Raya was stranded and, as the Spaniard tried to sprint back to his goal, he was chipped by a delightful effort from Mateta.

Palace had other chances to win the game and they finished the match with 15 shots - and an xG of 1.75.

Trossard continues fine form

Trossard did not start either leg of Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid, but he will now hope to get the nod when Paris Saint-Germain come to town next week.

The Belgian’s chances of playing were always going to increase because Thomas Partey is suspended, however his recent run of form would make him a contender to start the first leg of Arsenal’s semi-final anyway.

Trossard found the net against Palace just before half time to make it four goals in his last four Premier League League games. Before that, he had scored four in his last 31 league games.

Red hot form: Leandro Trossard

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The Belgian is a man in form and his goal just before half time underlined that.

Collecting Jurrien Timber’s pass on the edge of Palace’s box, he killed the ball with his left foot before turning with his right. After holding off two defenders, Trossard then found the bottom corner with a good finish.

Eze catches the eye

Eze was just 13 years old when he was released by Arsenal and there are more than a few Gunners fans that would love to see him back at the club.

The 26-year-old has developed into one of the best attacking midfielders in the Premier League during his time at Crystal Palace.

There is an argument that Arsenal would be wise to add a player with his creativity to their squad and Eze showcased his talent on Wednesday with a stunning goal.

Adam Wharton’s corner found the midfielder on the edge of the penalty area and Eze volleyed it home first time.

It was a brilliant strike, one that David Raya could get nowhere near, and the ball hit the post before going in.

Eze was lively before coming off with 30 minutes to go and he also created a great chance for Eddie Nketiah midway through the first half.