Arsenal 2-2 Crystal Palace: Alexandre Lacazette rescues Gunners with late goal

Alexandre Lacazette's goal was his first in the Premier League this season

Alexandre Lacazette scored deep into injury time to rescue a point for Arsenal as club legend Patrick Vieira was denied a winning return with Crystal Palace.

The Gunners started brightly and led deservedly through Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after Vicente Guaita's diving save to deny Nicolas Pepe.

But Palace improved - as the Gunners faded - and Christian Benteke continued his good record in games against the Gunners with the equaliser.

Thomas Partey was caught in possession by Jordan Ayew and Benteke drilled a shot into the bottom corner.

Palace again stole the ball off Arsenal to go ahead, as this time Conor Gallagher dispossessed Albert Sambi Lokonga in his own half, and the visitors broke quickly, with Odsonne Edouard hammering in a shot via the underside of the bar.

Kieran Tierney almost equalised for Arsenal late on but blasted against the bar with his shot.

And it looked as if they were going to fall short before substitute Lacazette steered home a loose ball from close range.

Arsenal were understandably aggrieved when James McArthur was only booked late in the first half for a wild kick at Bukayo Saka, who went off injured at half-time.

Arsenal move up to 12th with a sixth game unbeaten, while Palace remain 14th after a third draw in a row.

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Vieira so close to famous return

Patrick Vieira faced Arsenal as a player with Juventus and Manchester City - but this was his first game against the Gunners as a manager

Vieira, a three-time Premier League title winner with Arsenal - and part of the 'Invincibles' who went through the 2003-04 top-flight campaign unbeaten - returned to face his old team for the first time as a manager.

For long periods, home fans may have been wondering if they have the right former Gunners captain in charge in Mikel Arteta. They still might wonder.

Palace have only lost once in six games now and even though they lost two points late on, they did not miss Wilfried Zaha, who was out through illness.

Lacazette's late equaliser could be a huge boost for Arsenal's confidence, though, as it stretched their unbeaten run to six games in a match they started so well.

Aubameyang volleyed in a lovely opener from a tight angle but they were then architects of their own downfall.

Both Palace goals came from Arsenal midfielders losing the ball, first Partey and then Sambi Lokonga - the half-time replacement for the injured Saka.

But that is to take nothing away from Palace, who forced those errors and deserved their lead.

Vieira may rue his decision to replace goalscorer Edouard with defender James Tomkins eight minutes from time.

They were holding on at the end and the hosts showed good character to find a way through. They may have thought Tierney's shot off the bar was their last chance but they kept the pressure on and Lacazette broke Palace hearts.

He did so with his first league goal since 11 April.

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