Arsenal managed to sustain their position at the top of the table following a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace, who are struggling near the bottom of the table. Mikel Arteta scored the opening goal for the club, but he was later sent off. Arsenal had to play the last few minutes with only 10 men on the pitch. There were some good performances from Arsenal. Arsene Wenger praised goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, who made some crucial saves in order to keep the club in the game. It was not the usual fluid performance from Arsenal.
Despite possessing the likes of Mesut Ozil and Olivier Giroud, they were unable to translate their superiority in terms of squad strength onto the pitch. This victory was essential for Arsenal considering that they had lost 2-1 to Borussia Dortmund in the midweek match in the Champions league. A victory was also essential because they will be facing a run of difficult fixtures over the next few weeks. Wenger’s team will take on the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Dortmund.
This stern test could easily break Arsenal’s season like it has done in the past on numerous occasions. Arsenal are clearly a confidence team and they needed a win from this match in order to approach the next few weeks in the best possible manner.
“It was not a game of brilliance but efficiency and patience. Maybe were not at our sharpest but we were serious and determined. After the disappointment of Tuesday night, it was important to respond with a win straight away. We dealt well with the situation. We were mature, organised and didn`t become nervous. Szczesny made two great saves at an important moment of the game and eventually we got the second goal,” said Wenger after winning against managerless Crystal Palace.
