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A Martin Odegaard penalty saw Arsenal edge Crystal Palace to a 1-0 win despite the Gunners being down to 10 men for much of the second half.
It wasn’t a vintage Arsenal display under Mikel Arteta but certainly grind against the Eagles who have been unbeaten at Selhurst Park since Roy Hodgson’s return last season.
It was always going to be a difficult game but it was a challenge that needed to be overcome if the Gunners are to compete for the title. There will be many teams that head to Selhurst Park and struggle and that could work in Arsenal’s favour.
Not only that, but Arsenal had to come through with 10 men after Takehiro Tomiyasu was dismissed for a second yellow card, a harsh decision after being booked for timewasting earlier in the half.
Who stood out?
William Saliba solidified the notion of being one of the Premier League’s best centre-backs with a solid display along with composed distribution. His ability to recover lost ground when an opposition player has the run on him is remarkable and him staying fit will be key to a successful campaign.
He partnered Ben White in the backline who was as impressive, especially when they came up against it in the second half.
Declan Rice showed exactly what he was about as well as he knew the perfect time to calm and slow the game down which was particularly important when a man down. That level of maturity and in-game management is exactly why Arsenal did everything they could to recruit the England international.
Eddie Neketiah deserves an enormous amount of praise as well. He hit the post and won the penalty with a darting run which ultimately brought the three points back to the Emirates.
It’s important that Arteta and Arsenal keep on building upon this impressive form with Manchester City showing no signs of stumbling just yet.
