Wenger hails ‘magnificent’ Ozil display

Arsenal today, Sunday, August 16, return to winning ways in the English Premier League with a 2-1 win over host Crystal Palace.

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 important to bounce back“, Mertesacker told his club’s official website.

Making his first start for Arsenal this season despite not being fully match fit after helping Chile win the Copa America last month, Sanchez caused Palace problems from the start.

“We made it hard for ourselves, but overall it was a very encouraging performance from top to bottom”.

He added: “We really wanted to play our game, but even though we won we could have killed game [earlier]”. I’m sure they will beat many strong teams here and to get the three [points] is already a little bit of a turning point in the Premier League for us.

Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Garth Crooks has praised Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla, saying that he controlled the game against Crystal Palace on the weekend, via BBC Sport.

Palace got an equaliser from their right back Ward. “In the final part of the game we had to dig in and fight and we did it”. “Arsene Wenger knew that and took him off. It’s a decision Lee Mason needs to be braver on”. Giroud made up for his earlier mistake by producing a stunning volley on a cross from Ozil.

According to Chris Harris of Arsenal.com, Wenger started Alexis Sanchez instead of Axel Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Coquelin could have been sent off when he pushed Wilfried Zaha to the ground at the end of the first half and he avoided a second yellow again for a clumsy challenge on James McArthur in the second period.

“We looked quite good defensively, but it was a good goal from them with no chance for Petr [Cech]”.

Despite the late surge from Palace, Arsenal managed to see out the remaining stages and clinch the three points.

Facing West Ham United in their first game, many thought that the Hammers would be no trouble for Arsene Wenger’s men, especially since they were playing at the Emirates, where West Ham have had a torrid time in recent years.