Dowie delighted with Palace draw

Virtual Replay: 3D animation of Riihilahti's goal against Arsenal

Virtual Replay: 3D animation of Henry's goal against Crystal Palace

DOWIE'S VIEW Crystal Palace 1-1 Arsenal

Crystal Palace manager Iain Dowie was delighted with his players after they held Arsenal to a 1-1 draw.

"I was delighted with our performance, we were outstanding. It's a massive result for us," he said.

And he absolved Vassilis Lakis for his close-range miss that could have secured them victory.

"He was unlucky not to get the winner," Dowie added. "But I've missed much easier chances than that before, I made a living out of it!"

"He's disappointed not to have scored but I'm not going to knock him as he put in a great cross for our goal.

"Maybe we should have nicked it but, of all the teams I've every played against, I've never been on the edge as much as against Arsenal. They can conjure a goal from anywhere.

"Some of their players are as good as I've ever seen. We had some artisans competing against their artists.

"But this is the best atmosphere I've ever experienced in this ground. That's what we're here for - a full house and to compete with the likes of Arsenal."