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Crystal Palace frustrate Arsenal in goalless WSL draw at the Emirates

James O'Connor
James O'Connor
Soccer Analyst
9:03 PM
SOCCER
Crystal Palace frustrate Arsenal in goalless WSL draw at the Emirates
Pauline Peyraud-Magnin helped Palace hold Arsenal to a 0-0 draw despite the hosts recording 30 shots and 79% possession.

Crystal Palace held Arsenal to a 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, surviving sustained pressure to earn an away point in the Women's Super League. Jo Potter's team kept the hosts out in front of 23,900 spectators, with goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin central to a result secured through repeated defensive interventions.

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The match statistics published by Palace showed the scale of Arsenal's territorial advantage: 79% possession, 30 shots and nine attempts on target. Palace managed two shots, one on target, while the corner count finished 13-1 in Arsenal's favour. Those numbers translated into long spells of defending for the visitors, but no breakthrough for the home side.

According to Palace's match report, Mariona Caldentey struck the crossbar early in the game and Peyraud-Magnin denied Alessia Russo. Molly Bartrip then blocked an effort on the goal line in the 27th minute. Arsenal also failed to convert close-range opportunities, while Teyah Goldie offered a threat at the other end by heading a set-piece chance over the bar.

Peyraud-Magnin remained busy after the interval, stopping Lisa Baum at the near post before another fingertip intervention sent the ball against the crossbar. Palace later created an opening when Lexi Lloyd-Smith beat her defender and found Annabel Blanchard, but a heavy touch allowed Arsenal to recover. Neither side could turn those second-half moments into a decisive goal.

Arsenal made five substitutions while searching for a winner. Olivia Smith and Stina Blackstenius entered on the hour, followed by Caitlin Foord and Kim Little after 75 minutes. Frida Maanum replaced Russo late on. Palace also refreshed their side, introducing Allyson Swaby, Kirsty Howat and Molly-Mae Sharpe as they worked to preserve the scoreline through the closing stages.

The club described the game as Palace Women's first visit to the Emirates and confirmed a second successive league clean sheet after their opening win over Everton. The visitors left with a point despite spending much of the afternoon without the ball. Their next league assignment is against Tottenham at Selhurst Park next Sunday, according to Palace's report.

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