Jan 1, 2017 at 4pm UK at ​Emirates Stadium
Attendance: 59,975
Arsenal
2-0
Crystal Palace
Giroud (17'), Iwobi (56')
Monreal (83')
FT(HT: 1-0)

Tomkins (90')

Arsene Wenger: 'Olivier Giroud scorpion kick goal was fantastic'

sene Wenger manager of Arsenal looks on prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Aston Villa and Arsenal at Villa Park on December 13, 2015 in Birmingham, England.
© Getty Images
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger hails Olivier Giroud for his scorpion kick goal in the 2-0 win over Crystal Palace on New Year's Day.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has praised Olivier Giroud for his scorpion kick goal in the 2-0 win over Crystal Palace on New Year's Day.

In the 17th minute of the match, the French forward found himself in the box when he skilfully arched his leg backwards and, using his heel, flicked an Alexis Sanchez cross into the net off the bar to open the scoring at the Emirates Stadium.

Speaking after the game, Wenger told Sky Sports News: "It was a great counter-attack at great speed, and in fact the ball was kicked behind him and he had that reflex that surprises everybody who knows football and is what makes football great.

"It's a surprise, of course a fantastic goal. I was a bit spoilt over the year by that exceptional quality that everybody had. It's a reflex, and I think all of us can score this kind of goal, at the moment you have the strength, power and mental reflex.

"Olivier is very good in front of goal on crosses, but I've never seen this type of goal from him."

Alex Iwobi struck the second goal just before the hour to give the Gunners all three points and edge them into third place in the Premier League table.

Arsene Wenger watches on during the Premier League game between Manchester City and Arsenal on December 18, 2016
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1Chelsea20161342152749
2Liverpool20135248232544
3Tottenham HotspurSpurs20126239142542
4Manchester CityMan City20133441221942
5Arsenal20125344222241
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd20116331191239
7Everton208662823530
8West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom208572824429
9Bournemouth207492934-525
10Southampton206681925-624
11Stoke CityStoke206682432-824
12Burnley2072112231-923
13West Ham UnitedWest Ham2064102335-1222
14Watford2064102336-1322
15Leicester CityLeicester205692431-721
16Middlesbrough204791722-519
17Crystal Palace2044123037-716
18Sunderland2043131937-1815
19Swansea CitySwansea2043132345-2215
20Hull City2034131744-2713