Arsenal kicked off their 2014/15 Premier League campaign with a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace in a London Derby on Saturday.
The Gunners were without their World Cup winners in the squad but had new signings Alexis Sanchez, Calum Chambers and Mathieu Debuchy in the starting XI. Yaya Sanogo started instead of Olivier Giroud who was still not 100% match fit.
Palace were without their manager Tony Pulis and caretaker manager Keith Millen set them up to play in a traditional Pulis way with a deep defensive line.
Arsenal 0-1 Crystal Palace: Hangeland
But Palace scored the opening goal through a set piece with an unmarked Brede Hangeland glancing a header into the net.
Arsenal 1-1 Crystal Palace: Koscielny
Bur Laurent Koscielny equalized at the other end in first half stoppage time with another set-piece. Alexis Sanchez floated a ball into the box and the French defender was left unmarked to head the ball in with the goalkeeper Julian Speroni left stranded after he was caught in two minds whether to attack the ball or stay on his line.
Arsenal 2-1 Crystal Palace: Aaron Ramsey
The Gunners had a tough time breaking down Palace in the second half, who had their own chances. But last season’s breakthrough player Aaron Ramsey was on hand to score the winner in second half stoppage time. The Welshman was in the right place at the right time to tap in from a rebound after Debuchy’s shot was blocked by Speroni in a scramble in the six-yard box.