Tired and uninspired, Arsenal were held in check by Crystal Palace (0-0) Thursday in the English league, a setback after four consecutive wins in all competitions.
Mikel Arteta’s side thus misses the opportunity to climb into the first half of the Premier League table.
After 18 days, Arsenal occupy eleventh place in the standings, eight points from a qualifying place in the Champions League, and continue to pay the price of a catastrophic start to the season, the worst since the 1974-75 season.
Thursday, the disorderly performance of Alexandre Lacazette’s teammates highlighted the flaws in the Gunners’ attack.
For its part, Crystal Palace has won only one of its last eight games and is one point behind Arsenal, in thirteenth position.