Having already scored two goals before the break Arsenal appeared to have all three points locked up at Selhurst Park on Saturday, but in the end had to cling on for the win following substitute Glen Murray’s late goal.
German international defender Per Mertesacker believes the Gunners can use the wakeup call against Crystal Palace to their advantage when they take on Monaco next Wednesday night at the Emirates in their last-16 first-leg Champions League match.
“We were a bit lucky at the end,” he said.
“They have pace up front and good headers of the ball too. They nearly scored in the first half and at the end they had quite a few chances.
“Sometimes you lose games, especially at the end.
“We were lucky but that was a bit of a warning for us not to switch off too early.”
