IT wasn't a happy return to the Emirates for Crystal Palace striker Marouane Chamakh as the Eagles slumped to a 2-0 defeat yesterday.

Chamakh spent a difficult three years in north London with his chances largely limited to brief cameos off the bench as he played understudy to Robin van Persie.

Wandsworth Times: No happy Arsenal return for former Gunners striker

The Moroccan, whose career has been reignited since his summer move south of the river, bears no ill will towards the Gunners and was excited to return to his former club.

He explained: “It felt good to be back and there was a good atmosphere just like before but I wasn’t thinking too much about that.

“Crystal Palace is the most important thing so I forgot the fans and the atmosphere and did my best for Crystal Palace.

“I was happy before the game to come back but not so happy during the game.

“Sometimes it happens like that.”

Chamakh added: “I really wanted to do something coming back here and help the team pick up a point at least but it was really hard, as you would expect coming here.

Wandsworth Times: No happy Arsenal return for former Gunners striker

“But I think we learned a lot today and we are ready for the next game at home against West Brom.

“It is a very big game and we are lucky because it is at home so we will give everything to get the three points.”

Palace were one of the most active clubs on deadline day, bringing in Tom Ince, Wayne Hennessey, Scott Dann, Joe Ledley and also making Jason Puncheon's deal permanent.

And Chamakh believes the new signings will provide much-needed competition for places as the season enters the final three months.

He said: “The signings we have bought are good for the team as they will make us more strong and it will push everyone here to be better and force everybody to push even more to get in the team.”

Follow @NewsShopperSprt for live updates from Crystal Palace v West Brom on Saturday