An error by Petr Cech allowed Yannick Bolasie to fire in a late equaliser for Crystal Palace to claim a 1-1 draw that put Arsenal’s Champions League place in doubt for next season.
A dreadful first half saw neither side create much in the way of chances going forward, Alexis Sanchez in particular struggling with his first touch.
However on the stroke of half-time Danny Welbeck produced the game’s first moment of real class, clipping a pass over the top of Palace’s defence for Sanchez to head over Wayne Hennessey and give Arsenal the lead.
The hosts had their chances to add to their advantage in the second period, Welbeck and Sanchez both spurning their share of chances, but struggled to find their usual incisive passing.
Palace rarely looked like threatening Cech’s goal, though the keeper saved well from Bakary Sako’s header, before the 81st minute.
Emmanuel Adebayor, a pantomime villain, at the Emirates, held the ball up well and found Bolasie.
His tame low shot ought to have been claimed by Cech but he could only push the ball into the bottom corner.
Arsenal offered little in the closing stages to threaten and now can look forward to their customary battle for third or fourth place.
In Pictures: Arsenal vs Crystal Palace
But who cost the Gunners as their title hopes slipped away? Head to the top of the article for Standard Sport's player ratings gallery...
