Arsenal 2-0 Crystal Palace: Three things that we learnt

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Allardyce is having an effect, slowly

They remain just two points above the relegation zone, but it is clear that Sam Allardyce is already having an effect on his new squad of players. Palace were dominated, but it was telling that they only conceded two goals during the match. They looked better organised defensively and were more willing to put their bodies on the line as they blocked ten shots during the match. If this match was played against Alan Pardew’s Palace, Arsenal would have run out more comfortable winners. There are some positives to take from the game for the away side, despite the defeat.

He will want to add some better players during January, especially at the back. They look short of quality and the injuries that they have suffered hasn’t helped Allardyce’s cause as he settles into his new job. He will need time to fix the problems at Palace, but he is the right man to get them to where they want to be. They are already becoming a tougher side to beat and that will only continue over the coming months as Allardyce gets more opportunities to work with the squad. It is always tough to play Arsenal at the Emirates and considering Palace’s defensive vulnerabilities, they did well to come away with a 2-0 deficit.