Crystal Palace 0 – 2 Arsenal

Arsenal got off to a winning start on Friday night at Selhurst Park. Prior to the startg of the season, when the fixtures were announced, this match was expected to be a real test for Arsenal, especially as the team had been soundly beaten 3-0 in April in the same fixture last season.

ARsenal’s team was different from the same team that played in the fixture last season. Zinchenko played at left back and the long awaited debut of William Saliba, a player that is already a favourite with Arsenal even though he hadn’t played a single game for the club. Gabriel Jesus played in the center forward position.

The team start well and quickly took control of the game, passing and moving with confidence. Crystal Palace didn’t see much of the ball in the first 15 minutes. Gabriel Jesus was excellent. His passing, movement and running past players with the ball was a joy to watch. In all the good play Arsenal only created one clear cut chance that fell to Gabriel Martinelli, but he didn’t score.

The first goal when it came in the first was simple. A corner by Bukayo Saka was headed into the six yard area by Zinchenko and Martinelli headed in from close range.

Crystal Palace came back into the games after the goal and created a chance close to the end of the first half that Odsonne Edouard should have hit the net. The header was weak and it was easily saved by Ramsdale.

In the second half, Crystal Palace featured more and proved more of a threat, but Arsenal always looked like they were in control. Ramsdale was called on more i the second half to make several saves, inckuding one from Ebereche Eze on 52 minutes.

Arsenal’s second goal came through an own goal by Crystal Palace captain Guehi on 84 minutes. This effectively made the game safe for Arsenal and the game ended 2-0 the Arsenal.