Rob Holding shines after William Saliba’s injury but Gabriel struggles in big Crystal Palace win
ROB HOLDING shined as cover for the injured William Salliba during Arsenal’s win over Crystal Palace.
The Gunners hammered managerless Palace at the Emirates to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to eight points.
GettyRob Holdin put in a solid showing against Palace[/caption]
Gabriel Magalhaes, however, looked to be the weaker part of the side as he adapts to his new defensive partner.
Gabriel Martinelli bounced back from his penalty miss against Sporting Lisbon to put Arsenal on their way.
Bukayo Saka added a second before the break before Granit Xhaka made it three in the 55th minute.
Jeffrey Schlupp grabbed one for the visitors before Saka netted his brace to wrap up all three points.
SunSport’s Jordan Davies rates Arsenal’s players…
AARON RAMSDALE 7/10
Got lucky with a shot that bounced off the post and onto his legs for a corner, but denied Odsonne Edouard with a smart stop despite the Eagles striker being offside.
BEN WHITE 7
Allowed Zaha to cut in with shot onto post, only to make up for it with a brilliant assist for Saka just before half time. Defensively solid throughout.
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ROB HOLDING 8
A first Premier League start of the season with Willian Saliba out, but it did not look that way. Made several key tackles and headers, while his cross-field switches were impressive.
GABRIEL 6
EPAGabriel Magalhaes was not at his best against Palace[/caption]
Uncharacteristically sloppy at the back, stripped on numerous occasions and fortunate not to be punished for it. Arsenal fans will be hoping this was just an off day.
OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO 7
At his composed and assured self. Kept the ball ticking as Palace attempted to be resolute and solid in the opening stages and up the other end his perfect through ball set up Granit Xhaka.
THOMAS PARTEY 7
A quiet game by his recent standards, not that he did anything wrong. Was barely put under pressure by the Palace midfield. Arguably his most comfortable outing of the campaign.
GRANIT XHAKA 8
EPAGranit Xhaka scored Arsenal’s third goal[/caption]
There were concerns he had seriously injured his knee in the first half, yet recovered with a toe-poke of a strike to make it 3-0 just after the break.
MARTIN ODEGAARD 7
Appeared determined to score with several attempts from range, and continued to be at the heart of everything that was good about Arsenal. Perhaps should have done better to stop Jeffrey Schlupp’s consolation effort from a corner.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI 8
A constant menace down the left up against a hapless Joel Ward. The Brazilian took on the Palace full-back brilliantly before firing into the far corner for his side’s opener.
BUKAYO SAKA 10
ReutersBukayo Saka netted a brace[/caption]
A slow start but soon got into his immaculate stride. Two goals and an assist in a near-perfect display that will have Gareth Southgate drooling ahead of the international break.
LEANDRO TROSSARD 7
Could not be faulted for his effort and showed why he is so valuable to this injury-stricken Arsenal squad right now. Deserved a goal, but will be pleased with another assist for Xhaka.
SUBS
GABRIEL JESUS 6 (TROSSARD 65)
Still looks rusty, but that is to be expected at this stage of his comeback. The minutes and home ovation would have done him the world of good.
KIERAN TIERNEY 7 (ZINCHENKO 65)
Has the almost impossible task of trying to displace Zinchenko from the starting XI but did his chances of that no harm with an assist to his name for Arsenal’s fourth.
EMILE SMITH-ROWE N/A (MARTINELLI, 83)
JORGINHO N/A (WHITE, 83)
JAKUB KIWIOR N/A (GABRIEL, 86)
