Image credit: Getty Images
Dean Henderson has described Crystal Palace’s trip to Arsenal on Sunday as a “free hit,” suggesting all the pressure will be on the Premier League leaders. The England international, however, believes the FA Cup and Community Shield winners have every chance of pulling off another upset against one of the league’s elite sides.
Palace’s season has already included several memorable moments, including their shock FA Cup final victory over Manchester City and a dramatic penalty shootout win over Liverpool in the Community Shield, the first major trophies in the club’s history. But their recent form has dipped, with the team suffering a second defeat in three games after being frustrated by AEK Larnaca in the UEFA Conference League on Thursday.
Sunday’s London derby at the Emirates will undoubtedly see Arsenal dominate possession and attack in waves, but Henderson insists Palace will head into the fixture with belief and freedom.
READ MORE: Gabriel Martinelli reveals Arsenal players’ huge ambitions for this season
“The reality is, when you go to the Emirates, it’s a free hit,” Henderson said. “You’ve got to go there, you’ve got to just play with confidence and enjoy playing there and see what you can do and cause an upset.
Arsenal huddle
“You just use it as a cup game, a one-off game and the pressure’s on them. So we’ll go there and do the best we can. Are we better suited playing a team like Arsenal who we can hit on the breakaway? I hope so!
“If we went there and won it would change everything. We’ll look forward to it, and give it our best shot. We’ve delivered against teams like that so why not do it again?”
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE NOW ARSENAL WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
The last time Palace faced Arsenal at the Emirates, they earned a 2-2 draw, with Eberechi Eze among the scorers. Now, the midfielder will be on the opposite side, having completed a £60 million move to the Gunners this summer.
Henderson praised his former teammate but made it clear that Palace’s focus remains internal.
“He’s a top player in the world,” Henderson said. “They have top players there. It’ll be good to see him. I’m delighted for him, but with this game it’s full focus here and what we’re doing and that’s all we focus on.”
With Arsenal aiming to maintain their position at the top and Palace eager to prove their resilience once again, Henderson and his teammates will be hoping for another memorable upset in North London.
NEXT ARTICLE: Gabriel Martinelli reveals Arsenal players’ huge ambitions for this season