It wasn’t a perfect performance, but it was a perfect start!

The Gunners opened the 2022/2023 Premier League season with a 2-0 clean sheet victory over Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace Eagles.

Mikel Arteta had his squad ready for the match, and the Gunners showed domination throughout, however, Palace did put on enough pressure from time-to-time to keep the game interesting. Gabriel Martinelli netted Arsenal’s first goal of the season at the 20 minute mark, following a lot of offensive pressure on the Palace goal. However, nothing was guaranteed for the Gunners until Bukayo Sala drilled a shot in front of goal that was chipped into the net by Eagles defender Marc Guehi in the 85th minute. The OG sealed the deal for Arteta’s 75th win as the Arsenal manager.

It wasn’t a perfect performance by the Gunners, however, it was a perfect start to the season. Hats off to Ben White and Alex Zinchenko for working tirelessly up and down the sidelines, to Gabriel Jesus, who showed sparks of brilliance inside the penalty box, to Aaron Ramsdale for making two game-saving stops, and to captain Martin Odegaard for his superb work in the midfield.

William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes also showed why they can become a dominating defensive force this season. Saliba is so cool and calm, and always seemed to be in the right place at the right time.

It was also great to see Kieran Tierney get a brief run-out in the late stages of the match. He looked sharp,but will have a major fight on his hands to earn his starting position back from Zinchenko.

This was a most assuredly a team win, and something Arteta and his staff should be pleased with. The lads gutted it out, proving they will have what it takes to find a win, even when they are not playing at their peak form.

Yes, 0Arsenal is on top of the table, and that’s where we like to see them!

Next Saturday, it’s the home opener v the Foxes of Leicester City!

COYG!

Gunner1953