Let me stay forever the optimist and remind everyone that today was the first game of the season, and we started the game with three brand spanking new players. Also, bare in mind that although Crystal Palace just lost their manager 48 hours previous, perhaps that was the motivation they needed to come out with a little extra pizzaz or spunk.
Arsenal receive criticism on a semi consistent basis regarding their inability to win scrappy games, and although Saturday may not have been 'scrappy' it was certainly not clear cut by any means. Some of the lads in Red & White didn't quite pull their weight against Palace, but they all went down and had to eventually grind out that result.
I think it was Piers Morgan on Twitter that exclaimed his displeasure in Arteta's performance and questioned the managers' decision to give him the captains armband. I thought there were far worse performers out there today that should have received that sort of criticism before Arteta did. Arteta is playing that holding, defensive midfielder role that he was eased into last season, a position he didn't play his whole career until now. I think he did quite well - allowing the full backs to venture forward whenever they felt necessary and tracking back every single time Palace had the ball.
I don't want to touch on each poor performance today, but I suspect there will be some sore bollocks come tomorrow. Wilshere's I feel will be extra hurt. Pass the ball, son, pass it.
You certainly can't fault Alexis (that's what he wants to be called, apparently) for his efforts, but I'm positive he can only get better from here. Debuchy seemed slightly nervous, not committing to runs, crosses or even tackles 100%. Calum Chambers is a player that excites me a lot, perhaps too much....
He looks the part, he seems supremely intelligent on and off the ball, I mean, he even falls over well! The kid seems a great buy, and hopefully he turns out to be one of those Wenger magic moments. Could someone point out a mistake he's made so far? Please?
Sanogo looked like he had the ability to make something happen, but just wasn't getting the supply he needed to be efficient. He may get a little excited at times, but give him a few more games and that excitement will balance out, I'm sure. I am beginning to feel quite comfortable with him as a back up to Giroud though.
All in all it's 3 points, and top of the league for a day. What can be bad about that? The only thing that could have made today sweeter would have been Sp*rs deserved demise. But we can't have everything we want. They'll falter eventually. They always do.
And so we get yet more glorious football in just a couple of days! Tuesday sees us travel to Turkey to play the first leg in the Champions League qualifying round against Besiktas. We should expect to see a rotated squad, although the boss might choose to also give some first team players some minutes due to lack of fitness (Giroud?). An important game, however, and a nice 2-0 to The Arsenal would be a pleasant result to take home to the missus.
For all you Gooners state-side, you can catch the game on FoxSports1 at 2:30pm (eastern time).
