[Image via Gabriel’s Instagram]

The Premier League is back, and Arsenal have started how they mean to go on – with a 2-0 victory away from home against a very solid Crystal Palace side. Goals from Gabriel Martinelli, and Guehi own goal (made by Bukayo Saka) secured the three points for Arteta’s side – putting them first in the Premier League. Here’s my player ratings from the game…

GK – Aaron Ramsdale – 7 – Had one or two questionable moments on the ball in the first half, but made some stellar saves to protect our lead. First clean sheet of the season!

LB – Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7 – Clean sheet and an assist on his debut, you can’t ask for much more. Very respectable performance from the Ukranian.

CB – Gabriel Maghalaes – 6 – Ranks lower than the other defenders due to his slightly erratic first half, but he grew into the game and played a big part in shutting Crystal Palace out.

CB – William Saliba – 9 – MOTM – Best player in red and white by a long way. Oozed class and composure throughout the game and rose to the challenge of some physical opponents.

RB – Ben White – 8 – Coped well against one of the hardest Premier League forwards to defend one-on-one in Wilfred Zaha. Very good display.

DM – Thomas Partey – 6 – Did the job, nothing else to add.

CM – Granit Xhaka – 6 – Had good moments and didn’t do a whole lot wrong, bar that dive.

CM – Martin Odegaard – 5 – It may seem harsh but on another night, the Norwegian’s reluctance to shoot could have cost us. Should have had an easy goal following Jesus’ press, and had other opportunities to shoot. Never really got into the game.

LW – Gabriel Martinelli – 8 – Missed an early chance but soon rectified it with the first goal of the new campaign. Energetic and lively.

ST – Gabriel Jesus – 7.5 – Didn’t get his goal today, but pressed superbly and was on fire in that first half. Anderson did well to somewhat contain Gabby after the break.

RW – Bukayo Saka – 7 – Honestly was out of the game for most of it, but created a goal out of nothing to secure the win – and he’s earned himself a 7 in that moment.

Substitutes:

Eddie Nketiah (83′ – for Jesus) – 7 – Didn’t have much time but was heavily involved in the build up to the second goal. Looked good.

Kieran Tierney (83′ – for Zinchenko) – 6 – Good to see him back on the pitch.

Sambi Lokonga (90+3′ – for Odegaard) – N/A – Waste of time playing him for less than a minute.

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