By Emmanuel Nduka
Arsenal began their 2022/23 English Premier League season with a 2-0 win against Crystal Palace at the Selhurst Park on Friday night.
Two goals in each half meant Arsenal started their season on a winning note, coming off the heels of an impressive preseason performance.
Gabriel Martinelli scored with a header in the first half and late in the second half, Marc Guehi diverted Bukayo Saka’s shot past Vicente Guaita to seal all three points for Mikel Arteta’s gunners.
Arsenal dominated play in the opening exchanges, displaying excellent movement and leading the press, led by new boy Gabriel Jesus.
Martinelli struck in the 20th minute after connecting with Oleksandr Zinchenko’s header in a deep corner.
In the 42nd minute just before half time, Palace should have been level, but Odsonne Edouard headed straight at Aaron Ramsdale.
Palace’s closest attempt came seven minutes into the second half, when Wilfred Zaha slid a pass through to Eberechi Eze, but Ramsdale was quick off his line to smother, though Eze should have done better.
Saka scored Arsenal’s second goal on a deflection off Marc Guehi during the Palace pressure. It was however ruled an own goal, as Arsenal sealed the three points.
