An out of the world goal from Olivier Giroud and a perfectly measured header from Alex Iwobi took Arsenal to the third spot on the first day of the New Year. The Gunners now stay three points adrift of Liverpool and nine points off league leaders Chelsea.
Cech (8/10) – Yet another clean sheet for the former Czech international. However, it didn’t come easy for him. A flurry of attacks, which needed some stunning saves, in the second half was kept out safely by Cech. Palace could have been back into the game if not for Cech.
Bellerin (8.5/10) – A brilliant hand in today’s win. He was a constant threat in the Palace D-box. A tireless worker, Bellerin constantly looked for openings and with a figure like Elneny behind to cover for him when he is on the attack, further helped his cause.
Gabriel (7.5/10) – Was quite anonymous throughout the match as he stayed diligently alongside skipper Koscielny. He got a good chance to make some difference late in the first half, but he chested it down wrong. With Mustafi back in the squad, his place is not quite concrete.
Koscielny (8/10) – Yet another brilliant display for the Gunners skipper. It is difficult to keep one’s focus throughout the game when the opponents are hardly attacking. But the French international stood like a rock time and again, and intercepted Palace’s repeated attempts to feed the ball to Benteke.
Monreal (8/10) – Gibbs’ injury in the last match gave another chance to the Spanish international, and unlike his previous display against Manchester City, he looked way more stable today. Of course, Palace are nowhere near to City, but his disciplined defending gave much freedom to Sanchez to do his job.
