Olivier Giroud’s hold-up and link-up play was almost flawless as he battled with the Crystal Palace defenders and provided a platform to Arsenal’s creative midfielders to bounce the ball of him and do their thing.

“He had a very good performance”.

“He brings a drive forward”, he said after the 2-1 win, according to the club’s official website.

Arsene Wenger said: “I felt it wasn’t fortunate”. He started right back Hector Ballerin for the game at Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Santi Cazorla returned to his usual center midfielder position. Everyone knew in the stadium Francis Coquelin should have gone.

Yet ultimately the crisp build up play of Arsenal was too much.

“It [the West Ham defeat] happened early so you can re-group and concentrate on what is coming next”.

Both teams fought hard to take the lead before half-time, with Arsenal getting the better opportunities of the two London teams.

Arsenal almost struck back before the break when the risky Ozil crossed for Aaron Ramsey who’s delicate flick was palmed away by McCarthy.

Arsenal got on the board first on the 16th minute.

Ramsey should have extended their advantage further after 67 minutes following a flowing move down the left, the Wales global superbly picked out by Ozil before lashing over the bar. We kept all our players, got Petr as a great addition, so that is what players should care about, their own game and their interaction between each other.

“[Olivier] Giroud scored the goal and he was important because he had to kick a lot of long balls”.

Likely Crystal Palace goal scorer or assist provided would be the strong and hardworking Bolasie. Wilfried Zaha sent a cross to Connor Wickham.

Sanchez threatened to double Arsenal’s lead when he cut in from the right to fire a low shot that McCarthy pushed away.

It was Arsenal who eventually went 2-1 ahead on 55 minutes.

Time line up for Crystal Palace bench: Hennessey, Mariappa, Jedinak, Mutch, Lee, Bamford, Murray.

“He has had only two weeks’ training but he still had the mental resources to score a vital goal for us”. What team do you think will come out on top today?

“To get the three points could be a turning point for us”.

[ RELATED: Latest Premier League standings ]. Playing against arch-rivals Chelsea in the Community Shield, the Gunners stunned the Blues 1-0 in what was a resolute, compact performance that was typical of a Jose Mourinho side.