The strengthened Arsenal have won the opening game of the Premier League. The team of coach Mikel Arteta defeated fellow townsman Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park 2-0. Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring in the 20th minute, the decision came in the final phase via an own goal by Marc Guéhi.
Arsenal took over Ukrainian winger Oleksandr Zinchenko and Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus from champions Manchester City this summer. Arteta’s team impressed in the preparation with frivolous football and convincing victories against Chelsea (4-0) and Sevilla (6-0), among others.
Arsenal started strong against city rivals Crystal Palace, which is led by former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira. The Brazilian Martinelli opened the score with a header, after Zinchenko had also put the ball in front of the goal. The home club went looking for the equalizer after the break, but in the 85th minute Guéhi headed a cross from Bukayo Saka into its own goal (0-2). Former Ajax player Jairo Riedewald stayed on the bench at Crystal Palace.