Arsenal lacked confidence to 'go for it' against Crystal Palace, says Arsene Wenger

Arsene Wenger said Arsenal "lacked confidence" to score a second goal after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Alexis Sanchez put the Gunners ahead late in the first half at the Emirates but they were pegged back by Yannick Bolasie in the 81st minute.

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Despite having 21 shots on goal, the hosts could not add to their tally and their title hopes are now all but gone, with Premier League leaders Leicester 13 points ahead and only five games left to play.

"It is a bad result," Wenger told Sky Sports. "We had plenty of possession, but did not create enough clear-cut chances. We lacked a change of pace and our passing was a bit slow.

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"Overall, we were unlucky as they had one shot at goal, but maybe there was a lack of confidence to really go for it."

Asked whether Petr Cech could have done better with Bolasie's shot, which beat him at his near post, Wenger said: "I have to look at it again. It didn't look unstoppable but he will know that better than I do.

"Maybe we could have stopped the shot, but I will have to see it again."

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Arsenal will now turn their turn attentions to another home game against West Brom on Thursday as they look to cement their spot in the top four.

"We have to regroup and recover for the next game, and not look too far ahead," said Wenger. "Today we have made it more difficult for ourselves. We have to focus and try to win the next game."

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