Arsenal got their Premier League campaign up and running today with a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace. The Gunners went into the game off the back of a disappointing 2-0 loss to West Ham, a game which sparked outrage among fans who expected Arsenal to produce a real title surge this season. However, the win against Palace was a much different story. Despite the narrow margin of victory, the Gunners looked in control from the opening minute and displayed some impressive football.

Olivier Giroud and Mesut Ozil started the game, and combined to score the opener. The duo were largely criticised for their performances against West Ham, but both will have put those doubts behind them. Ozil’s cross was met by a half-hearted overhead kick by Giroud, which found the back of the net – a great cross, an even better finish.

Palace soon equalised through Joel Ward’s stunning effort, a goal which goalkeeper Petr Cech had no chance of preventing.

The first half was marred by Francis Coquelin, who found himself given a yellow card early on. The Frenchman was lucky not to be sent off towards the end of the 45, but referee Lee Mason decided against showing him red. Coquelin was subsequently substituted for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Alexis Sanchez headed across goal half way through the second half, and Palace defender Delaney was unable to keep the ball out – instead knocking it into his own net.

Here’s how we rated the Arsenal team – all ratings are scored out of 10:

Cech – 7

Bellerin – 6.5

Mertesacker – 6.5

Koscielny – 7

Monreal – 6.5

Coquelin – 5

Ramsey – 6.5

Alexis – 7.5

Ozil – 7.5

Cazorla – 8

Giroud – 7

3 points for Arsenal, and a fresh sense of hope that they can make a real title bid this season!