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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Standard sport

Arsenal blow big top-four opportunity with Crystal Palace loss, admits Unai Emery

Unai Emery fears Arsenal blew a big opportunity in the Premier League's top four race by losing 3-2 at home to Crystal Palace.

Christian Benteke, Wilfried Zaha and James McArthur all found the net as Palace stunned Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, hindering the Gunners' chances of Champions League qualification.

Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang struck for Arsenal but the Gunners never looked like pulling off any kind of rescue act, leaving manager Emery counting the cost in defeat.

"It was very frustrating because it was a big opportunity," said Emery.

"But we've had plenty of big opportunities before today, plenty of key moments, that give us the opportunity to achieve our first target, to play in the Champions League next year.

"But yes, today we lost a big opportunity. It doesn't change our idea or plan for the next match. It's in our hands. I still have confidence though and I want to be positive.

"Because we have been working hard to be in this key moment with the chance to finish in the top four.

"We can be proud of the whole season. Today we're frustrated but tomorrow we have to stand up and prepare for Wednesday's trip to Wolves."

Reporting by Press Association.

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