Arsenal vs Crystal Palace – Match Analysis

Arsenal managed to win their opening day game for the first time in five years, narrowly defeating Crystal Palace 2-1. The performance was poor from the Gunners, but ultimately what matters is that they were able to get the 3 points. Here is my take on the game from an Arsenal perspective:

Overview:

Arsenal came out off the blocks with relative comfort, dominating possession and passing it around nicely. However as the first half wore on Arsenal became increasingly wasteful in possession, allowing Palace to counter through Campbell, Puncheon and Bolasie, although the Arsenal defence managed to deal with their threat. Much of the credit for their resistance has to go to the Palace defence, which was marshalled superbly by captain Mile Jedinak. Joel Ward did a fantastic job of pressing Alexis and forcing him to give up the ball, as did Martin Kelly on Santi Cazorla. Central defenders Hangeland and Dann were on hand to make several last ditch tackles and blocks. 

Palace's good work was rewarded when Hangeland scores from a corner. Laurent Koscielny did not pick up Hangeland, nor did anyone else for that matter – one of the problems with the zonal marking system at times. Clearly the influence of Per Mertesacker was greatly missed.

Arsenal hit back soon enough through Laurent Koscielny – ironically it was Hangeland who let him go unmarked. Alexis' wicked delivery gave Arsenal fans a reason to be cheerful.

In the second-half, Palace were more content to sit back. Arsenal struggled to find a way through, as the lack of a top class striker and width hurt them. Palace were also able to restrict the flow of play through the middle of the park – the area where Arsenal can do a lot of damage.

Finally, however, the winner came as Koscielny and Giroud won crucial headers to get the ball to Debuchy, whose awareness in the six-yard box was surprising. The ball richocheted off Speroni and fell to Aaron Ramsey to tuck home a neat tap-in. Once again Ramsey's presence in the final third proved critical to Arsenal's play.

Player Ratings:

Wojciech Szczesny – Didn't have much to do but commanded his area well. However, he made a hash of one clearance and was lucky to be bailed out by Koscielny, Such lapses in concentration are what Szczesny needs to cut out of his game to reach a new level. 6/10

Kieran Gibbs – Gibbo was excellent as usual, providing great drive going forward and solidity at the back. His day was curtailed by a hamstring related issue. Gibbs' troublesome hamstring remains great cause for concern, and only when he gets over these problems will he be able to fulfill his potential. 6/10

Laurent Kocielny – Kos was largely at fault for the goal but more than made up for it with his equaliser and towering presence at the heart of Arsenal's defence, making countless great interceptions. However, he almost gave away a reckless penalty, showing he needs the calming influence of Per Mertesacker to perform at his brilliant best. 7/10

Calum Chambers – This kid continues to impress at centre-back with his calm authority. He reads the game exceptionally well throughout, with the only blemish being his needless yellow card. Looks a good deputy to Mertescielny. 8/10

Mathieu Debuchy – Debuchy was excellent for Arsenal, bombing up and down the flank with great effect but always managing to get back and sweep up in defence. His enthusiasm for the game will also be a great asset for the club, as he continues to soften the blow of Bacary Sagna's departure. 8/10

Mikel Arteta – The new Arsenal captain had a solid game, winning headers and making important tackles throughout. Passed the ball around solidly, if unspectacularly. 7/10

Aaron Ramsey – The Welsh wizard was once again influential for the home side. His all round play kept the Gunners ticking over, and he always looked the most likely to find an opening. His touch let him down as a few great opportunities to shoot went abegging in the first half, but was on hand to provide the all important winner. 8/10

Santi Cazorla – Santi was poor today, as he struggled to assert his influence on the game. The highlights of his game were several poor corners and turning over possession a few too many times. Perhaps Oxlade-Chamberlain can give Arsenal a bit more. 4/10

Jack Wilshere – Wilshere's jinking feet threatened to unlock the Palace defence, but he couldn't provide anything of note in the final third. Wenger said he has been sick for the last few days, which was evidenced in performance, but it does appear he is getting over his ankle problems, which is a positive. 5/10

Alexis Sanchez – The Chilean marquee man had a poor game by his standards. He could not handle the constant attention of Joel Ward, giving the ball away countless times, and his crosses were overhit throughout. However, he showed small glimpses of his ability, and was still able to be decisive with his assist even on a bad day, as all great players do. No doubt he is still not 100% and will take time to adapt to the physicality of league. 5/10

Yaya Sanogo – The Frenchman was favoured over Giroud, but failed to make the most of his opportunity. Was cumbersome on the ball and offered little in behind, although truth-be-told he had little service. Still quite a raw talent. 5/10

Subs:

Nacho Monreal – Came on for the injured Kieran Gibbs and was solid in defence, although offered less going forward. 6/10

Olivier Giroud – Brought on for Sanogo on the hour and was a bit more lively than him with nice movement, although still doesn't look quite ready. 6/10

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – Injected some drive into the team but failed to deliver in the final third, although his glided ball into the box ultimately lead to the winner. 6/10

Lessons Learned:

1) Arsenal know how to put away the smaller clubs – Arsenal have developed the knack of grinding out results almost every time against lesser opposition. However, it’s their performance in the big games that will decide their fate.

2) Theo Walcott's return can't come soon enough. Arsenal's lack of pace up front is a problem at times, and Walcott looks like the man to remedy that, as well as providing Arsene Wenger with another option up top.

3) Mesut Özil's return can't come soon enough. The German playmaker will provide Arsenal's attack with greater clarity, and free up space for others around him. His impact is underrated, and yet vital to Arsenal's season.

4) More signings are still needed – Arsenal obviously require a centre-back, and the potential arrival of Kostas Manolas to should give them more strength in the position. A deep-lying midfielder with the ability to stamp his authority on the game and give Arsenal a greater level of control against quality opposition is essential too.