Yannick Bolasie struck a hammer blow to
Arsenal ‘s top-three hopes with a late equaliser as Crystal Palace secured a 1-1 draw at Emirates Stadium.
The winger was allowed to cut in off the left by the Arsenal defenders with nine minutes to play and he took full advantage with a powerful low shot that beat Petr Cech.
Bolasie’s strike was Palace’s best sight of goal in the entire 90 minutes as Arsenal dominated possession, the hosts having taken the lead through Alexis Sanchez.
Arsenal wasted a glut of chances to extend their advantage before Palace snatched a point, Mesut Ozil and Danny Welbeck particularly at fault.
The result means Arsenal fail to overtake Manchester City in the Premier League table – pulling level with Manuel Pellegrini’s men – and sit just four clear of Manchester United in the race for Champions League football.
Meanwhile, Palace are nine above the relegation zone and face a trip to United on Wednesday before next weekend’s FA Cup semi-final with Watford.
