London, Aug. 6 (BUS): Arsenal struggled to beat Crystal Palace 2-0 on Friday as the new Premier League season kicked off, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring the first goal before defender Marc Guehy turned the ball into his own net late in the game. In Selhurst Park.
Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus, who arrived from Manchester City at the end of the season, looked poised to make a strong start by dancing through the Palace defense only to see his shot saved, with Martinelli dragging the rebound off the post.
Oleksandr Zinchenko, another City newcomer, looked lively and blocked an early shot as Arsenal quickly raised their tempo but the Ukrainian quickly netted his hand into the opening goal as Palace was caught in a corner kick.
Bukayo’s player found Saka Zinchenko in acres of space and headed the ball back across the goal where Martinelli was within reach and smashed it into the net.
Palace could have equalized before the break when Odson Edward headed home, but visiting goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale made a fine response to keep his side ahead.
The hosts missed another great opportunity to equalize after the break when Wilfried Zaha cut through Arsenal’s defense with a perfect pass but once again Ramsdale was quick to respond, managing to block an Iberi Ise shot.
Having led his side to fifth last season, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta seemed concerned as they became increasingly rough in the second half, but apart from Zaha, the Palace attack seemed out of sync.
Palace coach Patrick Vieira felt the possibility of a draw, everyone threw forward in the last 15 minutes, but the visitors doubled their lead when Saka’s cross hit Joy’s goal in the 85th minute to decide the points in favor of the visitors.
“We started really strong … to win here you have to suffer,” Arteta told Sky Sports. “We did that and that’s part of the mindset that we want to build, to come to these places and find a way to win,”
French defender William Saliba has been fantastic for Arsenal as he made his debut after three years on loan at various clubs in France.
“We knew it would be difficult here, but we were strong and solid,” the 21-year-old said. “I’ve waited so long to make my debut, I’m happy to start with a clean sheet and win, it’s important for confidence.”