Arsenal delivered an impressive performance as they started the 2022-23 English Premier League season in style. The Gunners picked up a deserved 2-0 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
After a brilliant pre-season tour of the US, Mikel Arteta’s boys were up against one of their boogey teams in Crystal Palace. The Spanish manager handed debuts to William Saliba, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Gabriel Jesus as his side paid a visit to South London.
Jesus showed why he is highly-rated in the opening minutes with his intelligent movement and dribbling creating a chance for Gabriel Martinelli in the opening minutes, but the youngster fluffed his lines. There was to be no such mistake, however, in the 20th minute as Martinelli scored the first goal of the 2022-23 Premier League season.
A deep corner kick from the right flank was headed back across goal by Zinchenko, allowing the 21-year-old Martinelli to plant a firm header which Palace goalkeeper Vicente Guaita could not keep out despite getting a hand on the ball.
Arsenal continued to dominate proceedings but soon required the effort of their goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale to deny French striker Odsonne Edouard as the home side finished the half strongly. Saliba was also called into action just before half-time as he denied Jordan Ayew with a decisive block to keep the scores 1-0 to his side.
The Eagles started the second half as they ended the first, on the front foot. It took only seven minutes for them to call Ramsdale into action again as Eberechi Eze threatened to find the corner of the goal, only for the Arsenal goalkeeper to pull off another impressive save.
With the match nearing its conclusion, Arsenal doubled their advantage in fortuitous fashion. The lively Bukayo Saka took the ball past Tyrick Mitchell before attempting a cross which deflected off Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi and flew into the back of the net to double the visitors’ advantage and secure the three points for them.
Arsenal have started the season in impressive fashion with a win, banishing the ghosts from their 2-0 defeat at Brentford in the 2021-22 season opener. The Gunners will look to build on their opening day win for the rest of their season.
