Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew believes Arsenal were lucky not to be reduced to ten men on Sunday.

The Eagles boss felt his side should have had a one player advantage for part of the second half of their 2-1 home defeat to the Gunners when Francis Coquelin brought down James McArthur.

The French midfielder already had a yellow card for a poor challenge on Yannick Bolasie late in the first half but referee Lee Mason opted not to brandish a second caution, much to the dismay of the home fans and Pardew himself.

"I had a chat with Lee in the tunnel (at half-time) and we agreed that he shouldn't have been sent off - you don't want that," Pardew said.

"But I said 'that's his last chance, he can't afford to make another challenge', and he did. But (Mason) didn't make the call. He should have been sent off."

Palace were beaten by a stunning Olivier Giroud volley and an own-goal from Damien Delaney following Joel Ward's fierce 28th-minute leveller.