Gritty finish as Arsenal edged Crystal Palace at Selhurst [Match report]

Gritty finish as Arsenal edged Crystal Palace at Selhurst [Match report]

Arsenal made a short stroll to community neighbors Crystal Palace for their second league game after losing meekly at home to Westham last weekend. Arsene Wenger restored Hector Bellerin into the starting line up after recovering from knock and Alexis Sanchez replaced Oxlade Chamberlain in the other shake up.

Alan Pardew turned out the same team that beat Norwich at Carrow road, it was Arsenal who went all out in search of the opener and Sanchez should have scored having being put clear by Mesut Ozil, he lingered a bit before seeing his effort cleared off the line by McAuthor.

Arsenal fans didn't have to wait too long however as a delightful cross from the German playmaker was appreciated by French man Olivier Giroud, the stylish volley was Arsenal's first goal of the season.

Arsenal have won all duels with Crystal Palace since the latter's return from the championship but it's always nervy between these two, it proved to be again when Jamie Ward flashed past Cech in Arsenal goal for the Eagles's equalizer just before the half hour mark, the home side took the momentum and pressured Arsenal, occasional forays by the visitors always end in frustrations as either Giroud flicks off mark or Sanchez heads wide.

Few minutes after the restart, Palace should have gone in front but Murray's effort cannoned off the upright and back in to play, Mutch, who got on at halftime for the struggling Bolasie threaded into his path and Cech again was beaten hands down, moments after, Francis Coquelin was quite lucky to avoid an early bath as he clumsily checked Zaha's run. Wenger took him off tactically just after the hour mark and on came Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, his run down the right resulted into the winner which would however go down as an own goal after Palace captain Delaney directed Alexis Sanchez' header into his own net off the inside of his goalie's right post.

Caution went on holiday from there as the Eagles kept probing for another equalizer, Cech saved twice from headed crosses but Chamberlain should have made it safe in the closing stages, Mikel Arteta, who came on for Coquelin had picked him from distance, he danced through but his effort was blocked, the blood rush was worth it in the end as Arsenal held on for their first points of the season.

Written by @Komptrolla