Published on 22.08.2023
Arsenal emerged victorious against Crystal Palace despite Takehiro Tomiyasu’s dismissal.
Martin Odegaard’s successful penalty and steadfast defensive efforts were sufficient to ensure that a tenacious 10-man Arsenal clung to a hard-fought triumph against Crystal Palace.
The Arsenal captain adeptly found the net from the penalty spot early in the second half, capitalizing on a foul committed by Palace goalkeeper Sam Johnstone against Eddie Nketiah. However, Arsenal’s defensive setup was put to the test when Takehiro Tomiyasu received his marching orders due to two seemingly minor yellow card offenses.
The first caution was issued for time-wasting during a throw-in, while the second was the result of a challenge on Jordan Ayew. Referee David Coote adjudged the latter foul as a means to halt a potential Palace counterattack.
Commenting on the red card and the recent guidelines from the PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited), Mikel Arteta stated: “This is the level we’re dealing with. I can’t say exactly how much time elapsed. [Upon being informed it was 23 seconds]. No, I think it was closer to eight seconds. Perhaps we need to start using stopwatches. Regardless, we secured the victory, and I’m content.
“Today’s match was a challenging one, yet we overcame the obstacles, which will undoubtedly contribute to our growth.”
Mikel Arteta expressed his satisfaction with Arsenal’s performance, stating: “I love to win like this. First of all the way we play in the first half – I think they are ranked first for chances conceded from open play, we dominated the game and gave nothing away.”
The outcome of the match places Mikel Arteta’s team in the company of Manchester City and Brighton, forming a trio of clubs with perfect records following two matches in the Premier League season.
