Crystal Palace showed courage and conviction against Arsenal in Sunday's fifth round FA Cup tie at Highbury and so held the Gunners for the second time this season.

But on Saturday they return to Arsenal in search of vital league points and blanket defence-play will not further their cause.

Spurs edged four points clear of Palace with last weekend's draw, and if Steve Coppell's men are to fight their way out of the bottom three they must start scoring goals and winning games.

Sunday's star performance came from Hermann Hreidarsson who put an iron grip on Arsenal's most gifted player - Dennis Bergkamp. Each time the Dutchman came within distance of the Palace box, Hreidarsson was there to bundle off the ball and clear the danger. At the final whistle Bergkamp grudgingly shook hands with his Icelandic tormentor, knowing he had been smothered out of the match.

The Palace defenders funnelled back in disciplined fashion to protect their goal which was under siege for long spells. Goalkeeper Kevin Miller was never in danger of being beaten though, such was the effectiveness of the yellow wall at which Arsenal threw themselves.

Andy Roberts, Marc Edworthy, Simon Rodger and Jamie Fullerton defied the Gunners with sterling defending. They stood shoulder-to-shoulder to throw back the raiding Marc Over-mars, Stephen Hughes, Bergkamp and Ray Parlour. Only wingback Lee Dixon was able to test Miller with three snap shots which slid harmlessly wide of the far post.

But what of Palace's thrust? Bruce Dyer was the Lone Ranger up front, constantly caught offside and never a threat to Arsenal's international rearguard.

He will need support on Saturday and Palace will have to find some midfield invention if they are to gain three points. With only 15 Premiership match remaining, draws are no longer enough.

Bob Trevor

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