Oliver Glasner revealed that Crystal Palace was aiming for the high positioning of David Raya from his line when his team took a 2-2 draw with Arsenal – with Jamie Carragher of Sky Sports critically about Gunners' goalkeeper in the draw.
The Eagles took a point to the emirates thanks to the beautiful late lob from Jean-Philippe Mateta over Raya, after Arsenal defender William Saliba had given the ball cheaply in his own half.
The result was the 13th draw of ARSENAL of a season in which their title offer will probably end on Sunday, because Liverpool only needs a point against Spurs in Anfield, live on Sky Sports' Super Sunday, to conquer a 20th competition.
Asked about Mateta's stunning finish, said Glasner: “We showed the players yesterday when we were preparing the opponent. We showed them that David Raya is High [off his line].
“It was the third time [in the game] We had this situation – the first recognized Justin Devenny didn't, so we forgot it. Adam Wharton had the stairs in the first half where he hit Thomas Partey and this would have been quite dangerous. And then we got the third chance and JP [Mateta] Had this great finish. “
Carragher analyzed the goal in the Sky Sports Studio and was critical of not only Raya, but also Saliba, who made his second mistake in three games that led to a goal after the Frenchman Dallied to let Vinicius JR score in an empty net to Real Madrid.
“We're going to see this more and more where keepers are not only good on the ball, but when you see it, Raya is part of the rear four. That's fine,” said Carragher.
“Where I have a problem with David Raya, as soon as Odegaard takes the position like another middle behind, I just think you should get back to your goal.
“And maybe it's the thing of 'we win 2-1', a little more lax than it would have been. As soon as Saliba plays, he doesn't have to be there.
“And it's a mess of Saliba, and it has been a few times now. He was brilliant in the Bernabeu, but he lost his focus [for Real Madrid’s goal]. And that is absolutely excellent [from Mateta]. “
Glasner also revealed that the first goal of Palace – a ebereechi volley from the edge of the corner of Adam Wharton – was also planned, and they practiced that exactly the same movement in the training on the day before they were confronted with Arsenal.
“Yes, to be honest, we trained it yesterday, but it didn't work as well as today on the training field. Sometimes you need this one moment,” said Glasner.
“We talked about it before: we had two teams that scored the number one and two [most goals from set pieces in the Premier League]. I think one or two were the same and we said okay, let's take on this challenge, this is good to be part of it. “
Carra: Can Mateta go to the next level?
Carragher also believes that Palace goal scorer Mateta is able to go to the next level.
The 27-year-old has scored 14 goals in this Premier League season and has 30 top goals since the start of the last campaign.
“I think other clubs will watch him,” said Carragher.
“I don't like to say that because Supporters of Crystal Palace get understandably upset. But in the past two seasons he has not only been a handful, but he has also been a real more goal -oriented.
“Can he go to that next level, teams that are a challenge for the Champions League? Crystal Palace are a level below, a typical middle table team. I think he is brilliant.”
'Arteta will be furious with Arsenal'
Sky Sports' Jamie Carragher:
“I think Arteta will be furious.
“They will be good to qualify for the Champions League, but you want to put it to bed as quickly as possible. If they had won tonight, you can write the Bournemouth match between PSG and let the whole team rest. I don't think he is able to do that now when Liverpool comes afterwards.
“If they lose the next two games, there are just others behind you and they still have to play Newcastle. You just don't want to look over your shoulder.”