Arteta admits Arsenal lacked energy in draw as Reds prepare to seal title

Mikel Arteta admitted Arsenal have to get their“energy” back forthe Champions League showdown with Paris Saint-Germain after a lacklustre 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace left Liverpool on the brink of winning the Premier League.

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Arteta’s side were hoping to warm up for their first Champions League semi-final appearance since 2009 with a victory over Palace at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.

But Jakub Kiwior’s third-minute header for the Gunners was cancelled out by Eberechi Eze’s volley in the 97th minute.

Leandro Trossard’s strike put Arsenal back in front three minutes before half-time, only for Palace substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta to loft a brilliant lob over out of position keeper David Raya in the 83rd minute.

Second-placed Arsenal are |2 points adrift of Liverpool, and with only four matches left for the north Londoners, Arne Slot’s team will seal the title if they avoid defeat against Tottenham at Anfield on Sunday.

Their title hopes effectively over several weeks ago, Arsenal were already focused on winning the Champions League for the first time.

But the sloppy display against Palace was hardly ideal preparation for the showdown with French champions PSG, who have eliminated Liverpool and Aston Villa en route to the last four.