Palace fans can expect more of the same over the coming weeks following Sunday's highly disciplined and determined rearguard action at Highbury.

Particularly as Arsenal prove the opposition for the Eagles' next two games.

Boss Steve Coppell believes the backs to the wall approach is the only way his injury-ravaged squad will be able to go while they wait for the returning firepower of the likes of Michele Padovano, Atillio Lombardo, Neil Shipperley and Paul Warhurst - all of whom are expected to be out for at least another three weeks.

A relieved Coppell explained: "We would be foolhardy to push up too much . We have to play to our strengths and at the moment that is disciplined defending.

"Arsenal were relentless and we were looking to our defence to see us through. We were fortunate and Kevin Miller had to make some key saves but we defended well."

It was no coincidence that arguably Palace's best defensive display of the season came as Palace were at last able to field something like their best backline.

Andy Linighan made way at centre half allowing Ismael and Hreidarsson to play as the markers where they made full use of their pace.

The return of Simon Rodger in midfield crucially allowed Andy Roberts to revert back to a defensive midfield role and Marc Edworthy was able to slot back in at sweeper.

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