Crystal Palace hosted Arsenal in a match that saw the Gunners secure a hard-fought victory despite being reduced to 10 men.
Martin Odegaard’s penalty proved decisive as Arsenal maintained their winning streak at the start of the season, joining Manchester City and Brighton at the top with six points apiece.
The encounter unfolded as a tightly contested affair with Odegaard stepping to convert a second-half spot-kick, giving the gunners a lead 10 minutes into the second half.
As the game progressed, Arsenal faced adversity when Takehiro Tomiyasu received a red card, leaving the Gunners a man down for the final quarter of the match.
Tomiyasu had been booked for taking too long over a throw-in before his dismissal for minimal advancement towards Jordan Ayew.
Crystal Palace began the game with solidity forcing Arsenal’s goalkeeper, Aaron Ramsdale into an early low save sending Eze’s long strike inches wide.
Arsenal had struggled initially to gain momentum, with Doucoure’s speculative shot missing the target.
Gradually, the visitors started to press. Eddie Nketiah was unfortunate to see his shot hit the post after getting the better of Palace’s goalkeeper, Sam Johnstone.
On the other hand, Jordan Ayew nearly capitalized on a mistake by William Saliba, only for the French defender to redeem himself with a timely tackle. In response, Nketiah’s attempted lob over Johnstone from close range went astray.
Odegaard continued to threaten, with a curled in strike from outside the box requiring a fingertip save from Johnstone.
The breakthrough eventually arrived for Arsenal as Gabriel Martinelli’s quick free-kick released Nketiah, who was brought down by Johnstone, resulting in a penalty in the 52nd minute.
Referee David Coote’s decision stood after a VAR review, confirming no foul by Thomas Partey in the build-up. Odegaard stepped up again, calmly sending Johnstone the wrong way from 12 yards to secure the lead.
Coote’s decisions courted controversy once more, as he cautioned Tomiyasu for time-wasting and then showed him a red card in 67th minute for a soft foul on Ayew.
Arteta reacted swiftly, introducing Gabriel Magalhaes and Jorginho to bolster the defense and midfield, respectively.
“I’m so happy to win, always very happy to win, but very happy in the way we won with 11 players and 10 players.” said Arteta oeing it to the togetherness of the team after the the 67th minute red card.
In the final stages, Arsenal’s defensive resilience kept Crystal Palace at bay. Jakub Kiwior and the returning Oleksandr Zinchenko added further solidity, allowing Arsenal to weather Palace’s attempts.
The rearguard’s united efforts were evident as they celebrated every defensive action, ensuring the slender lead held till the final whistle.
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