Crystal Palace striker Connor Wickham reveals frustration after Arsenal defeat

In the 54th minute, Arsenal caught Crystal Palace napping and Sanchez powered in a go-ahead goal his club desperately needed.

Arsenal kick-started their Premier League campaign with a 2-1 win at Crystal Palace.

In that match, Wilfried Zaha scored before the 40th minute of the game before Damien Delaney made it 2-0 at the start of the second half.

Wenger said Alexis would be “difficult to stop” once he’s on his game.

Giroud 7/10 | Superb scissor kick volley goal but struggled to get in the game after that.

“I haven’t seen the goal again but Koscielny had a very strong performance today”.

“It was important to bounce back“, the German told the club’s official website. It’s a pleasure to watch his passing. The Chile forward’s first touch was heavy, pushing him wide, with Ward recovering to block his shot before James McArthur was back on the line to boot away the goal-bound follow-up. For the rest of the build-up in the game he was magnificent. He works harder than many people think he does.

“On the Thursday he was knocked out of Europe as he protected his team and is under immense pressure”.

Following the standout performance of 16-year old Reece Oxford in giving Arsenal’s midfield the run-around for West Ham last week, much was made before the game of the potential of new Palace signing Yohan Cabaye to hurt Arsenal’s midfield in the same manner.

“Look at West Ham“.

That was until Alexis Sanchez had something to say about things.

Not the best reaction to the move which lead to Ward’s goal, but his presence of mind was really something commendable. “He’s still a bit short fitness-wise but he’s a fighter”.

“I don’t believe so”.

“He didn’t deserve a (second) yellow card”.

“Hopefully playing week in, week out can get me there”.

“I felt that he was not fortunate”, Wenger said. “That tackle before half time is not a sending off at that point but that’s his last chance, you know that”.

Palace’s manager Alan Pardew has even tipped Bamford to make the step-up to international at some point in the future.

However, Mertesacker remains an important player for Arsene Wenger’s side and his experience will come in handy as the season progresses.