Arsenal battled to a 1-0 win against Crystal Palace on Monday evening.
Arsenal earned a hard-fought victory against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Martin Odegaard’s conversion from the spot was enough to seal all three points for the Gunners, who were forced to see out the final thirty-odd minutes of the match with ten men after Takehiro Tomiyasu was shown a second yellow card.
Mikel Arteta once again left Gabriel Magalhaes out of the Arsenal starting XI, with Thomas Partey taking up the right-back role he was deployed in against Nottingham Forest last time out.
All in all, this wasn’t Arsenal’s most fluent performance, but they were able to get the job done. Selhurst Park is a difficult place for any club to go, so Arteta will be delighted to have brought all three points back to the Emirates Stadium.
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Arsenal player ratings:
Aaron Ramsdale – 6.5
Despite heavy pressure from Crystal Palace in the final third of the match, Ramsdale didn’t have much to do. Positioned himself well to mop up some long balls that were played over the Arsenal defence.
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Thomas Partey – 6.5
Acquitted himself decently at right-back and defended diligently. There were one or two loose passes in an otherwise solid performance, but he doesn’t offer the same kind of overlapping threat that Ben White provides.
Ben White – 7
Played a centre-back/right-wing hybrid role at times in the first half, interchanging neat passes with Bukayo Saka and Odegaard. Withstood the late onslaught from the hosts well.
William Saliba – 7
Had to make one perfect slide tackle in his own box to make up for his own poor first touch, but was otherwise completely solid. Arguably the most important player Arteta has at his disposal.
Takehiro Tomiyasu – 5
Very unlucky to be sent off. Was less guilty than Kai Havertz in the spell of time wasting that earned him his first booking, and the foul that saw him booked again was extremely soft. In the match, though, the 24-year-old Japanese international hindered Arsenal’s build up play. The north London club sorely missed Oleksandr Zinchenko’s presence on the left when they were attacking.
Declan Rice – 8
Excellent in the middle of park. Broke up Crystal Palace attacks and progressed the ball well, demonstrating a great range of passing. Should have had an assist after slipping Eddie Nketiah through on goal.
Was unafraid to push forward, and was always on hand to chase down Crystal Palace counter attacks. So important as Arsenal had to hold on towards the end. Looks to be settling in at Arsenal, with the best yet to come from the £240,000-a-week midfielder.
Kai Havertz – 6
Couldn’t impose himself consistently and was bypassed by the match at times, but showed willingness and endeavour to provide an out-ball for Arsenal and helped to defend from the front. The German still needs to grow into his role in this team.
Martin Odegaard – 7
At the heart of pretty much everything Arsenal did well up against a resilient and well organised Crystal Palace block. Led the press and was constantly orchestrating his teammates to pressurise opposition players. Took the penalty coolly to win the game for Arsenal.
Gabriel Martinelli – 6
Struggled to impose himself and get the better of the Crystal Palace right-back, Joel Ward. Played a smart pass in the free kick routine that led to the Arsenal penalty. Looked very disappointed to go off as Arteta reshuffled following Tomiyasu’s dismissal.
Bukayo Saka – 7
Ran relentlessly, constantly drawing Crystal Palace players towards him. The final touch wasn’t there tonight, but he protected the ball brilliantly at times, and put in a huge defensive shift after Tomiyasu was sent off. Notable that Arteta has relieved him of penalty duties.
Eddie Nketiah – 7
Worked hard, showed some brilliant movement, and was Arsenal’s most potent threat. However, his uncharacteristically poor finishing let him down when he should have opened the scoring in the first half. His clever run led to him being brought down by Sam Johnstone and winning Arsenal their penalty.
Substitutes:
Gabriel Magalhaes – 6.5
Jorginho – 6
Oleksandr Zinchenko – 6
Jakub Kiwior – 6