MATCH REPORT: ARSENAL 2-2 CRYSTAL PALACE

Photo credit: Hannah McKay (Reuters)

Alexandre Lacazette’s 95^th minute strike rescued a point for Arsenal in a dramatic 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had fired the Gunners into an early lead after eight minutes but second half goals from Christian Benteke and Odsonne Edouard looked to have wrapped up the three points for the Eagles before Lacazette’s last-gasp equaliser.

It was a heartbreaking return to North London for Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira, whose side remain in 14^th eight matches into his managerial tenure at Selhurst Park

His side made the worst possible start after Nicolas Pepe’s curling strike forced a sublime save out of Vicente Guaita before Aubameyang converted the rebound, sending the hosts ahead.

In spite of the absence of their talisman Wilfried Zaha, Palace looked a threat on the attack and forced several good saves out of Aaron Ramsdale.

However, they still went in at half-time trailing 1-0.

Arsenal almost doubled their advantage early in the second half when Thomas Partey’s long-range strike sailed just wide of the post.

The Ghanian midfielder was caught out just moments later however as Jordan Ayew robbed him on the edge of the area and passed to Benteke who found the net with a low drive.

The introduction of Alexandre Lacazette on 68 minutes looked to give Mikel Arteta’s side more attacking edge, and some good link-up with Aubameyang almost restored the Gunners’ advantage on 72 minutes.

Moments later and Palace caught their opponents on the counter attack and Edouard found the net with a fierce strike to complete a memorable turnaround.

Kieran Tierney rattled the crossbar with a shot on 87 minutes and it was beginning to look like it wasn't the Gunners' day.

But then on 95 minutes, Lacazette slammed home a close-range strike, sending the Emirates into delirium.

The salvaged point means Arsenal climb to 12^th in the table and extends their unbeaten record in the league to five matches.

Meanwhile Crystal Palace will feel dejected to have let the win slip out their grasp but can take heart from avoiding defeat against Mikel Arteta’s rejuvenated outfit.