It's always hard to have to wait for Arsenal to play until Monday evening. Especially so early in the season, We've had to sit and watch everyone else get on with it. Whilst it's been amusing to see such an abject performance from Manchester United, and Chelsea struggle once more (plus ca change), Manchester City look ominously solid and powerful, Brighton continue to make progress despite once more have sold most of their best players, and even Tottenham looked... well, adequate... with the proviso that United are an absolute sh*tshow.
And so to Selhurst Park on a Monday evening. Never an easy place to visit (at least it wasn't the proverbial 'rainy night in February'), and Arsenal's recent record on Monday evenings has not been good. Nonetheless, memories of the first game of last season - when we realised that the Arteta Revolution was for real - remained fairly fresh in the memory, so there was plenty of hope for a good result.
I had been expecting something a little more pragmatic, but Arteta went with the same formation as in the previous game; Tomiyasu the replacement for the injured Timber. So essentially it was a three man defence when in possession - clearly, this is the style he is going for this season. And, whilst chances were few and far between, Arsenal largely dominated, without making too many clear cut chances. This could be a theme running throughout the season - something that Arteta needs to solve against the constant low blocks against we he is likely to come up week after week. Indeed, I can only think of one side who won't use that tactic. Yes; seriously - one!
An early chance for Martinelli, left unmarked in the penalty area. He dwelt momentarily, and the chance was gone. Excellent football leading to a chance for Eddie; he was unlucky to merely hit the post. And another opportunity for Eddie which he scooped over Johnstone - but also the bar - from a difficult angle and distance. An Odegaard snap shot straight at the keeper. Martinelli volleyed a Partey cross over the bar following a free kick. Half chances in the main; nothing much else was fashioned in the first half despite the clear dominance, with all the play being channelled inside by Palace, and Arsenal finding it difficult to keep their width - such is how it is with inverted wingers.
At the other end, the only things to note were a fantastic recovery tackle from Saliba - making amends for his own mistake to be fair - and the amount of work that Declan Rice was putting in. Palace were feeding on quick breakaways and scraps.
One thing I noted during the Sky commentary was that in his desperation not to show any Arsenal bias, Alan Smith was leaning somewhat the other way. Be more 'Wrighty', Smudge!
Same again as the second half commenced. But finally the breakthrough. A quick free kick taken by Martinelli on the right hand side of the penalty area, a smart run into the channel from Eddie, a clever/sneaky little block off from Partey to prevent a defender from going with Eddie, and Johnstone fell for it; rushing at Eddie's feet and bringing him down. Clear penalty - the only chance of it being over-ruled was if Partey's block had been called a foul.
As we had suspected, however, Arsenal have a new penalty taker. Saka held the ball during the VAR delay, but handed it to Odegaard to take the kick. A little stutter and shimmy, and Johnstone went the wrong way as the skipper rolled it home. A well deserved lead; and also justification for me captaining the Norwegian in my Fantasy team!
But now Palace started to play a little more. Eze and Ayew looking the most effective. And this pushed Arsenal back a little. It's as if the strengths that the new formation give when in possession become weaknesses when out of it. A balance that Arteta must address. And whilst Arsenal continued to make chances; a mistimed volley from Havertz and a trademark sweeping effort from Partey the most notable - the tide had somewhat turned. As I mentioned in my preamble, Selhurst Park is never an easy place to visit...
Soon after the goal, Tomiyasu was booked for time-wasting- harshly in my opinion as most of the time wasting belonged to Havertz - and this almost changed the destination of the points. Because not long after he was adjudged to have brought Ayew down near the half way line - he didn't half make a meal of what was a tiny touch! - and the Japanese defender was given his marching orders by referee Coote (Coote by name...). And suddenly Arsenal were completely on the back foot.
Neither Hodgson nor Arteta gave a ringing endorsement of the new directives after the game, I thought. For me, adding on the time is sufficient - a card on top of that is 'double jeopardy'. Perhaps this will be addressed as the season progresses.
Eze dived looking for a penalty, and Palace forced Arsenal further and further back.
Arteta made his intention perfectly clear from then on, bringing on Jorginho and every single defender he had on the bench. It was a 9-0-1 formation in the final few minutes, but by injury time Palace had essentially shot their bolt and the last few chances were fashioned by Arsenal. What had looked like a relatively comfortable three points turned into a rearguard action; marshalled by Saliba and substitute Gabriel, and particularly by Declan Rice, by the end it was 'never in doubt'.
A particular word for two of our new signings here. Firstly Declan Rice. The guy was everywhere; a human dynamo. Even at £100m, he looks like a 'bargain'! A great addition to the squad; with the character to match his ability.
And also some defence of Kai Havertz. Give the guy time. This is a complicated role he's been thrust into, and for all the comments about low touch counts and lack of involvement, he creates space for others with his movement. A goal will do him a lot of good, but it's important to note that for the second game in a row he led Arsenal in duels won. Lay off him!
And so Arsenal move on. Early days, and two tight scorelines, but that's 6 points out of 6 - one of only three clubs with that record. Keeping pace is key whilst the new system beds in - and they can only get better.
Next is Fulham at home. All expectations point to three points from that. COYG!!!
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