Olivier Giroud scores his 50th Arsenal goal to move the Gunners into third in the Premier League after five wins in six league games.

Both of Arsenal's goals had a hint of controversy behind them; Danny Welbeck was fouled for the opening goal, a penalty converted by Santi Cazorla, it appeared that the England striker might have been outside the area when the original contact from the Crystal Palace defender occurred. Olivier Giroud added a second just before half-time with a simple tap in, however in the build up it appeared that Danny Welbeck was offside. When asked for his opinion on the goal, Arsene Wenger stated "I don't know if Welbeck was offside, but I'm sure Giroud was not offside when he went clean through in the second half."

Arsenal did have to ride their luck in the second half with Palace rejuvenated by an Alan Pardew team talk, the Gunners were restricted to counter attacks and seeing less of the ball as they usually do. Alexis Sanchez went close to making it 3-0 with Arsenal's only other notable chance before Palace scored four minutes into injury time to set up a nervy end for the game, it wasn't long before Palace had their best chance to equalise as Glenn Murray headed against the post with seconds remaining. However, Arsenal did manage to hold on and the Gunners boss admitted that his team got lucky;

"We missed goal number three and when they came back to 2-1 we were a bit lucky, a bit fortunate. Overall we did fight and it was in the end a very important win for us."

Arsenal have been known to switch off in games that seem done and Wenger believed the North London team seemed to be going that way in the second half;

"Certainly they thought that it was done and we know in the Premier League that it’s never done, especially at 2-0. With that ball on the post we were a bit fortunate."

With the controversy surrounding whether the foul for the penalty was inside the box, Arsene responded with his signature line, "I don’t know". 

The Arsenal manager praised his team for their defensive display and hopes that this win will help his team cement their place in the top four;

"They did well so overall I’m pleased to have won three points in a place like this. We know now that we have played two more away games [than home games] and it will be down to how strong we are at home. I feel quite strong and let’s just continue to fight and be tight until the end."