EPL: Arsenal Maintains Perfect Record with Gritty 1-0 Victory Over Crystal Palace
Arsenal secured a determined 1-0 win over Crystal Palace, keeping their perfect season record intact.
This victory marked only the second time since January that an away team took three points from Selhurst Park.
Recalling their successful opening day at Selhurst Park last season, Arsenal aimed for a repeat to begin this year’s campaign away from home. The North London team had the highest number of away points in the Premier League during the 2022–23 season.
Declan Rice set up Eddie Nketiah for a right-footed shot in the tightly contested first half, but it hit the post and missed the target. Martin Ødegaard’s long-range shot tested goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, but despite dominating the first half, Arsenal entered halftime with a level score.
Starting the second half strongly, Arsenal earned a well-deserved breakthrough. Nketiah, whom Johnstone knocked down in the 18-yard box, successfully converted the penalty. Referee David Coote swiftly awarded a penalty, which Ødegaard confidently converted for his first goal of the new season.
Though a breakthrough was achieved, Arsenal faced a challenging seven minutes when Takehiro Tomiyasu received two yellow cards in quick succession. Tomiyasu received his first yellow for a sluggish throw-in, and he received his second yellow for allegedly pushing Jordan Ayew of Crystal Palace, even though there appeared to be little contact.
Despite playing with 10 men for nearly half an hour, Arteta’s team benefited from Crystal Palace’s passive approach. Despite the numerical advantage, Crystal Palace struggled to create significant opportunities.
Although Eberechi Eze posed a threat, the dynamic midfielder couldn’t spark an Eagles comeback. Ultimately, the Gunners held onto their slim lead and secured the victory.
