Premier League: 10-Man Arsenal See Off Tough London Derby With Crystal Palace

 

10-man Arsenal saw off a tough London derby against Crystal Palace and defeated their hosts 1-0 to stay unbeaten in two opening games. 

Crystal found their defence cracked when Sam Johnstone fouled Bukayo Saka following a free-kick and a penalty was drawn. Martin Odegaard converted the spot-kick and Arsenal went ahead. 

The game later changed as Takehiro Tomiyasu bagged a red card, and now, pressure is on Arsenal. Luckily, Mikel Arteta quickly made changes, first with Martinelli substituted for Gabriel and they were able to contain Palace's aggression.

Having lost the game, Palace conceded their first goal of the season but not easily to Arsenal on their 200th away Premier League clean sheet.

Quick Run Through The Game

Arsenal had most of the first half whilst Palace kept deep in their halve  being defensive. However, the hosts seemed dangerous with Jordan Ayew breaking into Arsenal's box and was occasionally accompanied by Eberechi Eze. Arsenal were mindful and watchful of a counter from their opponents nonetheless. 

Eddie Nketiah should have put Arsenal ahead when he latched onto a loose ball but struck it to hit the post and another was lobbying Declan Rice's through ball lobbing over the goal whilst one-on-one with Johnstone. 

It all paid off sooner for Arsenal after halftime as Johnstone dropped Saka in a challenge for a through ball from Kai Havertz's free-kick and a penalty was conceded. Martin Odegaard brilliant took the spot-kick  and Arsenal took the lead. 

Palace later had the upper hand for most of the second half after Tomiyasu was Red carded for second yellow card offense. Arsenal were force to play deep and defensive to avert a scare from their opponents. They managed to get through the match and made away with the maximum points.