The new season has begun, the belief is back at the Emirates.
This afternoon was a difficult game against a manager less highly motivated Crystal Palace team.
While it was an excellent result to start the new campaign there is much more to come from the FA cup winners.
Ratings
Szczesny – 5 - Almost caught out with back pass and poor clearance led to goal scoring opportunity, needs to take less chances.
Debuchy – 7 - Very lively, seems to answer all questions raised by Sagna's departure.
Chambers – 6 - Booked. The young player grows in stature each game he plays. Solid performance.
Koscielny – 6 - Well taken goal made amends for lapse in concentration, which put him at fault for opening goal.
Gibbs – 4 - Ponderous first half before coming off again with another injury, may be an area Wenger looks to strengthen
Arteta – 7 - Solid display from new captain, led by example, clearly proud to wear the armband.
Alexis - 6 - Lively, excellent cross for goal, it will take time to see the best from him, but the signs are excellent, hard working, strong and bucket loads of skill.
Ramsey – 6 - Poor first half, got better throughout second half, but clearly not the standard we have come to expect, however kept going to score the winner
Wilshere - 6 - Solid display, at the heart of most good play while on the field.
Cazorla – 5 - Booked, lost possession too easily at times, just not the Spaniard's day.
Sanogo – 5 - Worked hard, fought tirelessly against very physical back line. Needs a bit more quality to his game.
Subs
Monreal - 6 - Put in a very good performance when called upon. Will be needed with Gibbs out injured.
Giroud - 6 - Real handful for Palace defenders, surprise omission from starting line-up, but proved his worth when called upon.
Chamberlain - 6 - Added extra pace to game great impact. Surely must be pushing for a starting place.
Arsene Wenger said he could have done with an extra week to prepare his team and this performance proved him right. What we saw today was a new Arsenal who kept going till the end despite not being at their free flowing best.
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