If Arsenal’s win over Crytal Palace is anything to go by, we are definitely in for a treat this season.
Arsenal got off to a winning start, sealing a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace in the opening game of the English Premier League on Friday night, August 5.
Mikel Arteta will be delighted with his team’s overall result as the Gunners proved to any unconvinced fan at Selhurst Park, that their remarkable pre-season form wasn’t just all hype and no show.
The Gunners’ summer transfer window and the pre-season tour have refined their squad and sharpened the team on all fronts.
William Saliba and Ben White were the more outstanding defenders with goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale picking up his first clean sheet of the season as well.
The 21-year-old Saliba was true to his task at central defence and served as the defensive spine the Gunners have been lacking and in need of. It was enough to see off a very determined Crystal Palace side.
Arteta coming up against Arsenal legend Patrick Viera, was poetry in motion as it was the perfect litmus test to weigh out the Gunners after the Eagles’ 3-0 defeat denied them Champions League qualification, last season.
Former Manchester City ace Zinchenko, looked comfortable in his new jersey colours as the Ukrainian managed his first assist to open up the scoreline for the Gunners 20 minutes into the game.
He will no doubt reinforce Arteta’s side and has already shown his capabilities in his first appearance for the Emirates outfit.
Gabriel Martinelli was first to pounce on the ball with a glancing header that Vicent Guaita, was unable to reach in time to parry the ball far enough from the goalline.
Crystal Palace put up a mean fight and tried to fend off Arsenal for a good portion of the game but Arsenal’s ability to retain their shape and defend with zeal proved enough to keep Zaha, Eze Ayew and Edourade at bay.
With some near-miss attempts and Ramsdale’s incredible stop from Edourde’s flicked header just before half-time, Crystal Palace was simply unable to break the Gunners’ defensive fortress led by Saliba.
Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka bossed the midfield while Martin Odegard supplied Arsenal’s front three composed of Gabriel Jesus, Bukoyo Saka and Martinelli.
Bukoyo Saka was the man who cemented Arsenal’s lead after pulling off one of his signature attacks from the right-flank and causing enough confusion with his half-chanced shot that Mac Guehi redirected the ball in with his header, which went down as an own-goal.
Arsenal is currently top of the Premier League table with three points and a new look and refined Arteta philosophy that is more precise and more effective.
A brand of north London football reminiscent of Arsenal’s Invincibles — one bound to impress fans and make rivals both nervous and envious, is back.
