Despite their impressive pre-season form, many Arsenal fans were somewhat concerned at the prospect of an opening game away against a Crystal Palace side who are strong at home under Gunners legend Patrick Vieira. The Eagles lost only four matches at Selhurst Park last season and the Palace faithful were keen to create an intimidating atmosphere for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Just like last year on the opening day, the world was watching and all the pressure was on them. Despite that, Arsenal delivered. A 0-2 win with a first half header from Gabriel Martinelli and a late own goal from Eagles captain Marc Guehi being enough for the Gunners to start the season with all three points as they look to improve on last season’s 5th place finish. They started fast and almost took the lead in the opening minutes as Gabriel Jesus danced passed multiple opposition players and the ball fell to fellow Brazilian Gabriel Martinelli who struck wide. However, he would make up for this miss as another new signing Olexander Zinchenko headed a corner back across the penalty area and the young Brazilian was at the right place at the right time to glance his own header past the Palace keeper to give Arsenal a deserved lead halfway through the first half.
However, Palace found their feet towards the end of the first half, and carried this momentum past the interval as they pushed for the equaliser. Aaron Ramsdale was called into action, making a key stop too deny Eberechi Eze as Arsenal were put under more pressure. But the Gunners defence stood firm and young Frenchman WIlliam Saliba – making his long awaited Premier League debut – was at the heart of a backline which was impressive across the board. Saliba put in a flawless performance and was deservedly awarded MOTM by Sky pundit Jamie Carragher. Carragher’s Sky partner and former Manchester United defender Gary Neville stated that Saliba reminded him of “a young Rio Ferdinand”. New signing Gabriel Jesus failed to get on the scoresheet on his Premier League debut however the Brazilian still very much impressed and the difference he can make in regards to his overall play compared to that of Alex Lacazette is clearly evident. The final of three debutants for Arsenal – Olexander Zinchenko – had an impressive first half – grabbing an assist of the opening goal – but struggled slightly do deal with the long balls from Palace’s defence, but the Ukrainian demonstrated supreme calmness with the ball at his feet and both him and Jesus will surely continue to grow in North London as the season goes on.
After withstanding g the pressure from the home side, Arsenal (against the run of play, it has to be said) got their all important second goal as Bukayo Saka’s brilliant cross was directed into his own net by Marc Guehi. Confirming the win and getting Arsenal off to the perfect start to the 22/23 season.
Arsenal’s next fixture will be their first home match of the season as Leicester will face the Gunners at Emirates Stadium on 13th August at 15:00 BST.
Player Ratings:
Aaron Ramsdale: 7
Ben White: 7
William Saliba: 9
Gabriel: 7
Olexander Zinchenko: 7
Thomas Partey: 7
Granit Xhaka: 7
Martin Odegaard: 6
Bukayo Saka: 7
Gabriel Martinelli: 8
Gabriel Jesus: 8