Arsene Wenger hails Mesut Ozil as absolutely magnificent after Arsenal victory

An own-goal from Crystal Palace defender Damien Delaney was the difference as Arsenal picked up a 2-1 win, their first victory of the new Premier League season, in a highly entertaining London derby at Selhurst Park.

“It was a very good performance, he was very important getting the ball out from the back in tight areas. If they can play with the same authority and intensity as they did in the first half then Arsenal, with their array of talent, must have a chance of lifting the title”. “If we had gone two games and zero points it would be absolutely hard and we knew this would be a tricky one”.

“We have shown our strong response and we have shown different aspects in our game that are vital in the Premier League“, Wenger told reporters.

Referee Lee Mason then made a big call by opting against showing a second yellow card to Arsenal holding midfielder Francis Coquelin for pulling back Wilfried Zaha following the Frenchman’s earlier caution for a foul on Yannick Bolasie.

Speaking after the match, Wenger praised one player in particular – German worldwide Mesut Ozil.

The Arsenal midfielder shone for the Gunners against Crystal Palace.

Speaking to Sky Sports’ Geoff Shreeves ahead of Arsenal’s visit to Selhurst Park, Cabaye said he wants to repay his manager’s faith in him. “When they came back to 1-1 it was a mental test to see how we would respond to the defeat [to West Ham] last week”.

Giroud’s goal: Giroud opened his account for the season in some style as Ozil floated over an inviting cross and the Frenhcman launched himself into the air, before directing an acrobatic volley into the corner with his left foot.

But their victory was built upon the back of a far better defensive performance which – Joel Ward’s exceptional low drive – proved a lot more resilient than it had done against the Hammers.

Palace, though, were level on 28 minutes with another fine goal.

Crystal Palace had an opportunity to take the lead in the opening moments of the second half.

The keeper said: “It was disappointing – first home game of the season and we were unable to take the three points”. #AFCpic.twitter.com/F3vR5p6erw – Aaron Ramsey (@aaronramsey) August 16, 2015Great to get on the score sheet today although gutted about the result, atmosphere was unbelievable #cpfc we go again next week.