THE NOTEBOOK: Aaron Ramsdale faces a double dose of pressure, while Crystal Palace fans mock Chelsea over Michael Olise transfer snub
- Arsenal secured a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace with a resilient display on Monday
- Martin Odegaard’s penalty was enough, while Takehiro Tomiyasu was sent off
- WATCH: ‘It’s All Kicking Off’ – Episode 2 – Mail Sport’s brand new football show
Arsenal provided another reminder of their title credentials with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Martin Odegaard‘s second half penalty was the difference between the sides after Sam Johnstone fouled Eddie Nketiah following a well-taken free-kick by Gabriel Martinelli.
Roy Hodgson’s side didn’t give up and kept the pressure on the Gunners’ goal – particularly after Takehiro Tomiyasu received a controversial second yellow card for a shirt pull on Jordan Ayew.
However, Mikel Arteta’s side were resilient and made it two wins from two in the Premier League this season.
Below, Mail Sport’s ISAAN KHAN outlines some of the things you might have missed from the clash in south west London.
Arsenal provided a reminder of their title credentials with a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace
A second half penalty from Gunners skipper Martin Odegaard was enough for the three points
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Ramsdale’s double dose of pressure
Gareth Southgate appeared in the stands next to Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish.
The England manager’s affection for the club stems from his playing days, having started out at Selhurst Park.
But more pressingly, he was there to watch his national team players, including Ebere Eze and Bukayo Saka.
One could only imagine the double-barrelled pressure goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale may have been feeling, with new signing David Raya joining the Arsenal bench for the first time. Raya also has the Gunners’ No1 spot very much in his focus.
England boss Gareth Southgate was in attendance at Selhurst Park to watch his England stars
Aaron Ramsdale also had to deal with new Gunners keeper David Raya being on the bench
Arteta keeps cards close to his chest
Mikel Arteta is well-versed in keeping cards close to his chest having said last week there would be no departures, though his squad selection last night said otherwise.
Once again, Gabriel started on the bench, amid reported interest from Saudi Arabia and Real Madrid, while Kieran Tierney did not make the squad.
Tierney’s absence was not a major shock, with the sheer number of full back options already at the club.
But Gabriel’s omission was particularly marked having been an integral part of Arteta’s team last season. The pair’s futures certainly appear uncertain.
Gabriel Magalhaes was again benched by Arteta, amid reported interest from Saudi Arabia
Crystal Palace supporters enjoyed mocking Chelsea after Michael Olise snubbed their interest
Palace fans mock Chelsea over Olise snub
It was the first game here since Michael Olise snubbed Chelsea to sign a four-year deal with Palace.
Gloating fans were subsequently heard chanting ‘F*** off Chelsea, Olise is ours’.
Saka’s record-breaking longevity
Bukayo Saka has now played in 82 consecutive Premier League games for Arsenal, equalling Paul Merson’s record set between 1995-1997.