There is no denying that Mikel Arteta has already had an impact in just four games as manager at Arsenal. As impressive as their performances against Chelsea and Manchester United were, Palace serve as an important benchmark for Arteta. The Eagles probably ended up being the defining opponent of Unai Emery’s reign at Arsenal. The Gunners didn’t manage to beat Palace in three league outings under Emery, conceding seven goals in the process. That doesn’t tell the whole story.
In the context of last season, Arsenal’s abject performance in a 3-2 home loss to Roy Hodgson’s men in April meant Emery’s men basically threw away a top four spot that was gifted to them thanks to the incompetence of others. In the context of this season, Arsenal gave up a two-goal lead and two points in the reverse fixture. This game was also infamous for the Granit Xhaka fiasco and looked at in totality, this marked the beginning of the end for Emery as mutiny at the Emirates gathered full steam.
The Eagles have undoubtedly scarred Arsenal in the past 18 months. If Arteta can come away from Selhurst Park with a point or three, it will go a long way to healing wounds and making the Arsenal faithful genuinely believe that change is finally here. No pressure then, Mikel.