Arsenal held by Palace in frustrating 0-0 Emirates draw

Arsenal were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Women's Super League newcomers Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium after failing to turn their dominance into goals.

The Gunners controlled large periods of the match and created several opportunities, but Palace goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin produced nine saves to help her side claim an impressive point.

Mariona Caldentey and Lisa Baum both hit the crossbar for Arsenal, while Alessia Russo missed a major opportunity in the first half. Despite the result, Arsenal extended their unbeaten run to 19 matches, matching a club record set between August 2011 and October 2012.

Arsenal dominate but cannot find a breakthrough

Arsenal had the better of the opening half, converting 79% possession into nine shots.

Russo came close when she found herself in an excellent position inside the box, but the England striker fired wide with only the goalkeeper to beat.

The Arsenal forward had already seen an earlier effort cleared off the line, while Caldentey went even closer when her half-volley struck the crossbar.

Palace remained organised defensively and kept bodies behind the ball, although they also had an opportunity from a set-piece when Teyah Goldie headed over the bar under pressure from Lotte Wubben-Moy.

Peyraud-Magnin keeps Palace in the game

The visitors were indebted to Peyraud-Magnin throughout the contest.

The goalkeeper, who joined Palace on loan from Denver Summit during the summer, made nine saves as Arsenal repeatedly tested her.

Palace manager Jo Potter, a former Arsenal midfielder, praised the experience of her goalkeeper after the match.

Potter said Peyraud-Magnin's understanding of top-level football and calmness had been particularly valuable to the newly promoted side.

The goalkeeper's performance eventually earned her player-of-the-match recognition, with an average rating of 8.21.

Arsenal hit the woodwork again

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Arsenal continuing to find opportunities without producing the decisive finish.

Teenager Lisa Baum, who scored the winning goal on her WSL debut against Brighton the previous weekend, created another opening when she sent Teyah Goldie the wrong way with a clever turn.

Baum then struck the crossbar with her effort, adding to Arsenal's frustration.

Palace began to look more threatening as the game progressed and attempted to take advantage of the increasingly open contest.

Palace threaten a late winner

The visitors were not content simply to protect the draw in the closing stages.

Palace were managed by Potter, while the team also included summer signing Goldie, an Arsenal academy graduate.

A late free-kick gave Arsenal another chance after Palace centre-back Allyson Swaby brought Russo down on the edge of the penalty area.

However, Olivia Smith sent the resulting effort well over the crossbar.

Neither side could find the winning goal, leaving Arsenal frustrated and Palace celebrating an important point.

Slegers admits Arsenal must improve finishing

Arsenal manager Renee Slegers expressed her disappointment after the match, despite acknowledging the number of opportunities her team created.

"It was frustrating," Slegers said. "We're disappointed with the result - we wanted more for ourselves and the fans."

The Arsenal boss pointed to the team's ability to reach shooting positions as a positive but admitted the finishing ultimately cost them.

"We had about 30 shots in the game - we are getting there into finishing positions. We want to be disciplined. If we didn't get to shooting positions, it would be worse but we got into those positions."

Slegers added that Arsenal should have taken all three points.

"This is only round two. We should've won today, we should've scored today but we didn't."

Palace continue impressive defensive start

For Palace, the draw adds another positive result to an encouraging opening to life in the WSL.

The newcomers followed their 1-0 victory over Everton last weekend by keeping another clean sheet against one of the league's title contenders.

Palace are now one of two WSL teams yet to concede a league goal.

Arsenal, meanwhile, remain unbeaten across 19 matches, matching their club record. However, their inability to convert chances could prove costly if they are to challenge for their first WSL title since 2019.

SportsLigue