The Crystal Palace captain Scott Dann was injured in last weeks unbelievable win over Chelsea, but his team are still only three points clear of the relegation places and need to fight for every point from now to the end of the season.
Dann has seen his team win their last two home games against Watford and Middlesbrough, and also beat West Brom and Chelsea away before the loss to the Saints in midweek, and Dann believes the fans can help cheer them on to another win against the Gunners tomorrow. He said on the official Palace website: “…We always go up against the top clubs as underdogs but that gives you a little bit more determination and shock everyone like we did against Chelsea.
“It was disappointing to follow up that magnificent result with a loss at Southampton. The momentum was really good going into the game, and while there are no excuses in terms of why we lost, a lot went into the Chelsea game both mentally and physically and the match last week came so soon after that. We just have to make sure that it’s a one-off; we’ve shown that we can put a run together and if we knuckle down then we can go on another run, starting against Arsenal.
“It’s going to be a tough end to the season as we’re not quite where we want to be in the league, but there are still eight games to go and we need some big performances and results between now and the end of the season. Whoever those come against or where, it doesn’t really matter as long as we get them as quickly as possible.
“As players, we have noticed the extra effort that the fans have been putting into their support at home recently, and we would like to thank you for it. Everyone in the dressing room knows as soon as they come to the club what Crystal Palace means to the fans, and I think in the last few home games we’ve really needed you on our side to help us get the results.
“We all need to stand up and be counted, and as much as the lads have to perform on the pitch, it doesn’t half help when we have that kind of support behind us every week. Hopefully you can once again back us from the stands and help push the boys towards another huge result.”
This game is absolutely crucial to Arsenal to get our confidence back to end the season on a high note. I dread to think what will be the reaction if we lose this one, but I also know that this game won’t be a simple pushover. Palace are in form and in confident mood, but we simply MUST beat them, no matter what!
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