statistics, but if none of this dominance with the ball translates into goals or at least clear cut chances, then you are neglecting what it is actually important and only doing half the job. This was highlighted by the fact that it was Palace who were actually far more proactive in trying to open the scoring on the few occasions they saw the ball. Our tepidness going forward seemed to galvanise them and as the half drew to a close, it was they who were in the

Three more points in a game that didn’t quite pan out quite as straightforward as many predicted. On paper, facing a newly promoted side with just one win to their name, coming off the back of spanking and having sacked their manager just two days before would seem like an easy win. Unfortunately, this is very rarely the case. Not when you support Arsenal anyway…

Pass-enine

A strange first half saw Arsenal expectedly dominate possession. For most of the opening 45, the home side could only watch as Arsenal players moved the ball around like they were performing training drills. However, while it was comfortable, it wasn’t exactly commanding. While we showed our ability to retain the ball, we actually ended up doing very little with it. At times, it was actually quite boring!

Moving the ball from side to side in the approach phases was fine. The final ball, however, if it ever came, was almost always disappointing. Football observers are becoming more and more obsessed with possession and pass completion statistics, but if none of this dominance with the ball translates into goals or at least clear cut chances, then you are neglecting what it is actually important and only doing half the job. This was highlighted by the fact that it was Palace who were actually far more proactive in trying to open the scoring on the few occasions they saw the ball. Our tepidness going forward seemed to galvanise them and as the half drew to a close, it was they who were in the ascendancy.

Over the past few years, we have repeatedly seen what can happen if you don’t actually do your possession justice. Time and time again we’ve bemoaned the opposition ‘scoring with their first chance’ and this was almost the case again at Palace. Thankfully, it didn’t come to pass but this match should serve as a warning not to fall back into bad old habits.

Upward Serge

Our first goal came at the start of the second half thanks to the quick feet of Serge Gnabry whose trickery in the box drew in a reckless tackle from Adlene Guedioura resulting in a penalty. Arteta drilled it home but credit must go to the young German who was attempting to add some much needed dynamism to our play. He could have had a penalty in the first half after a similar drive saw him upended as he entered the area. Unfortunately, Chris Foy only saw fit to award a free kick.

In his fleeting appearances, the youngster has generally impressed in Arsenal colours so far this season. Given his age and the competition currently ahead of him, it is understandable that the manager is only choosing to him sparingly. But when given the opportunity, Gnabry is doing enough both to justify his inclusion and push for more regular first team appearances in future.

Extinguishing the Flam

Gnabry had actually come on as an unexpected early substitue for Mathieu Flamini who limped off with a groin injury. For the third game running, Arsenal seemed to find it difficult to cope with his absence – particularly on this occasion against a Palace side who were quite physical without being dirty. Reports are that he will miss three weeks meaning our ‘crunch period’ against Liverpool, Dortmund and United may have just become that little bit more testing. Beyond that, let’s not forget that an ‘Arsenal’ three weeks probably means we can wave goodbye to the Flamster til the new year.

Taking the Mik

Our problems in that position were further exacerbated on the day by the red card shown to Mikel Arteta with half an hour to go. The Spainiard got himself in a tangle with former Arsenal legend Marouane Chamakh just inside his own half and the Moroccan needed no invitation to go to ground. If there was any evidence needed that referees know far too little about the game, then exhibit A would be idea that Foy factually thought a chance involving Chamakh could be described as a clear goal-scoring opportunity. Thankfully, it would appear that Arteta will only miss the League Cup tie with Chelsea on Wednesday but with the absence of his partner in crime, we will be relying on his form and fitness in those tougher tests over the coming weeks.

Hard-Arse

Needless to say, after going down to ten men, things got a little nervy for the remainder of the game. It was only in the 85th minute when we could breathe a collective sigh of relief as Olivier Giroud grabbed his 8th goal of the season – heading home a floated cross by Aaron Ramsey (who else?). The second goal came in a period when Palace were on top and an equaliser almost seemed inevitable. Could it be a sign of this team’s developing maturity that they were actually able to stand firm in the face of so much pressure, keep the clean sheet and go on to kill the game? Hopefully.

Woj you believe it!

Integral to the shut-out was the form the rapidly improving Wojiech Szczesny. Arsenal’s number one pulled off two world class saves within a minute to deny Ward and Jedenak for the Eagles when the score was still a very shaky 1-0. I feel it’s worth repeating that the Pole in the goal has really responded well to being dropped and the criticism he faced for his erratic form last season. It says a great deal about his character that he was able to come back stronger rather than let it affect him. Would he have made those saves during his bad spell last year? Doubtful. His spell on the bench may well have provided the kick up the backside he needed to make that step up from ‘protential’ to ‘proven’.

Gun Battle

So, top of league, 7 wins from 9 and only 5 points dropped so far. There have been accusations that our run of games since August hasn’t been quite as challenging as it could have been but even so, we’ve still managed to win those games and put ourselves in a strong position. Things are looking relatively good after exactly a quarter of the league campaign played. However, as we all know, nothing is decided in October. Some big tests await and how our squad will cope with the demands placed on them will truly show their credentials, long term. How we perform in this upcoming second quarter will tell us a lot. I know the old adage of taking one game at a time but it’s virtually impossible not look further ahead. Our next 9 games are Liverpool, United, Southampton, Cardiff, Hull, Everton, City, Chelsea and West Ham. If we’re still at the Premier League summit after that difficult run, then even I might start to dream. COYG!

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