The start of the Premier League season brings excitement, nerves and a lot of build-up – especially nerves for an Arsenal fan.
However, those Arsenal fans will be delighted after goals from Gabriel Martinelli and an Marc Guehi own goal earned a first win of the season to kick off the new season against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Story of the match
After only four minutes, Arsenal's new big money signing, Gabriel Jesus, nutmegged a Palace player, then did a beautiful piece of skill past another. All that was missing was his finish but the ball fell into the path of Martinelli. However, the new number 11 fluffed his lines but set a precedent on how Arsenal was going to approach this game.
The other new signing, Oleksander Zinchenko, also made his mark early on. A clever set piece routine prompting in Zinchenko finding himself free in the box, heading the ball back into the wave of pink shirts in which this time, Martinelli does hit the target and past the keeper. The first goal of the 2022/23 Premier League season. Gabriel Martinelli. With a Zinchenko assist? Lovely. Arsenal led after twenty minutes and deservedly so.
Gabriel Jesus didn’t score on the night but its one of those games where he makes a significant impact without contributing to a goal. He completed the most successful dribbles (6), most touches in the oppositions’ box (10) and won the possession in the final third the most (2) compared to all other Arsenal players. That forward presence he brings is a breath of fresh air and even though he won't gain many points for the fantasy league players, he helped gain the more important three points for The Gunners.
One thing is certain, Arsenal on the ball are very secure and thanks to the two new signings from Manchester City, they bring this to a new level.
After 23 minutes, Arsenal had 66% of possession, with five shots to Palace's none. This was eventually levelled out at the end of the match, illustrating that they need to be consistent with this sustained level of attack to nullify teams, instead of letting them believe they have a chance.
Crystal Palace could have scored during this game, whether that was in the 41st minute with and Edouard header making Ramsdale produce a great save, or the one-versus-one opportunity for Eze early in the second half.
Ramsdale once again proved his worth with a save, and keeping Arsenal’s lead. Arsenal could have finished the game with Odegaard, but he didn’t pull the trigger on his right foot when a chance was gifte to him by Jesus. Tension was building and the nerves from the away end was evident.
It’s not an unfair statement to say The Eagles started to control the game more in the second half but Arsenal shut them down in almost every opportunity. Eventually, Arsenal kept the ball and passed it around to Saka in a wide space in the 85th minute and his cross was diverted in by Guehi. 2-0. Game over.
A perfect start for Arsenal, and this fixture was arguably the most difficult in their first five. A Selhurst Park visit is never easy, and these payers knew that after the shambolic 3-0 defeat last season. However, revenge was served and this will give Arsenal fans and even the players themselves confidence going into Leicester at the Emirates next week.
A win is necessary, this is a perfect opportunity to instil that winning mentality and reverse the start from last season...and there is no reason to believe that this won’t happen. Onto the next.
Player of the Match - William Saliba
Man of the match. Well worth the wait. Crystal Palace did end up creating ten shots and an xg of 1.2 compared to Arsenal’s 1.46, Saliba made sure to sustain this defensive display resulting in a clean sheet.
His long-awaited debut was rewarded and it was warranted. The Frenchman had 100% of his take-ons completed and ariel duels won. Also to mention his 7 ball recoveries and 6 clearances. This is all in addition with not getting dribbled past once, and this is a Palace team with their tricky forwards including Wilfred Zaha, Eze and Edouard. Being compared to a “a young Rio Ferdinand” by Gary Neville isn't too bad either.
A mention to Ben White too. He completed the most successful tackles (8) since ANY Arsenal payer in an away game since 2016/17. He handled Zaha very well, who is a phenomenal 1v1 winger but his efforts were cut out thanks to Arsenal's interim right-back.
