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Player Ratings: Arsenal 2-1 Crystal Palace

Sports Mole takes a look at who impressed as Arsenal beat Crystal Palace 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium in their Premier League opener.

Arsenal opened their 2014-15 Premier League campaign with a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace at the Emirates this evening.

Brede Hangeland had handed Palace, who finished with 10 men following a late red card for Jason Puncheon, a 1-0 lead after 35 minutes.

However, a header from Laurent Koscielny and a stoppage-time strike from Aaron Ramsey secured all the points for the home side.

Here, Sports Mole takes a look at who impressed during the all-London affair.


Aaron Ramsey in action for Arsenal against Crystal Palace on August 16, 2014© AFP

ARSENAL

Goal

Wojciech Szczesny: Had his feet up for much of the 90 minutes truth be told, but still offers the impression that he is capable of dropping a clanger at any time. (6/10)

Defence

Mathieu Debuchy: Did not see too much of the Frenchman in a defensive sense, but he was always willing to participate in the final third. A strong debut from the former Newcastle United right-back. (7/10)

Calum Chambers: Steady performance from the summer signing, despite a couple of nervy moments in the first period. Former Southampton defender looks to be a really good prospect, but has work to do. (6/10)

Laurent Koscielny: Caught out for Palace's opener, but responded with a header of his own late in the first period. Hardly tested defensively, but always looks dangerous going forward. (7/10)

Kieran Gibbs: Was forced off early in the second period with a hamstring problem and in truth, did not offer too much during his time on the field. (5/10)

Midfield

Jack Wilshere: Steady but uninspiring from the England international once more. Needs to do much more to keep his place in this Arsenal team when everyone is fit and available. (6/10)

Mikel Arteta: A calming presence in the middle of the park, but never really offers too much going forward. Can be somewhat of a luxury when things aren't going as Arsenal would like. (5/10)

Aaron Ramsey: Not his best match by a long chalk, but always available and always dangerous. No surprise when he popped up late on to secure all three points for the Gunners. (7/10)

Attack

Alexis Sanchez: Showed signs of just why Arsenal paid £32m for his services, but the Chilean's final ball was poor. Will certainly improve as the season gathers pace. (6/10)

Yaya Sanogo: Will have gained huge confidence from being named in the starting XI, but never really took his chance. Plenty of pace and power from the Frenchman, but his touch was poor.(5/10)

Santi Cazorla: Unfortunately the Spaniard had a bit of a stinker. Caught in possession on a number of occasions and harmed his side's attacks more often than he contributed to them. (5/10)

Substitutes

Nacho Monreal: Replaced Gibbs early in the second period and put in a really good shift down the left. Plenty of dangerous crosses from the Spaniard, especially in the latter stages. (7/10)

Olivier Giroud: Had two sights of goal, but dragged one wide before failing to make contact with a Monreal cross. Would be a surprise if he didn't hit double figures again this season. (6/10)

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: Replaced Wilshere with 20 minutes remaining, but failed to influence the match. Added guile to the attack, but his passing was poor. (5/10)


Crystal Palace players surround 'Big' Brede Hangeland after he scores their opener against Arsenal on August 16, 2014© Getty Images

CRYSTAL PALACE

Goal

Julian Speroni: Made some smart saves throughout the contest, but could do nothing with either of Arsenal goals. Argentine is currently keeping Wayne Hennessey out of the XI. (6/10)

Defence

Martin Kelly: Brilliant debut from the right-back, who stifled the threat of Cazorla and Sanchez. Only joined the club last week but has immediately bought into their style of play. (8/10)

Brede Hangeland: Scored a brilliant opener for Palace, but went to sleep on the Arsenal equaliser. That said, overall it was a towering performance from the former Fulham centre-back. (7/10)

Scott Dann: Alongside Hangeland, was aerially dominant at the Emirates. Made block after block and was also prepared to put his foot on the ball when possible. (7/10)

Joel Ward: Another that has developed into a fine defender. Proved a strong presence at full-back, but was caught out by diagonal runs on a couple of occasions. (7/10)

Midfield

Jason Puncheon: Proved to be a busy performer in the middle of the park, but did not really influence the match in forward areas. Sent off late on for a poor challenge on Monreal [second booking]. (5/10)

Mile Jedinak: Strong performance from the central midfielder as he once more led by example. That said, does lack the technical ability to influence games in the opposing half. (7/10)

Joe Ledley: Plenty of running and from the former Cardiff City midfielder, but struggled to really stamp his authority on the match. (6/10)

Attack

Yannick Bolasie: Has so much ability, but needs to work on his final pass. Should have been a strong second-half outlet for his side, but simply did not see enough of the ball. (6/10)

Marouane Chamakh: Did not play as a striker, with much of his work taking place in midfield. Ran a marathon for his side as he made challenge after challenge. Really good attitude from the Moroccan. (7/10)

Fraizer Campbell: Threatened with his direct running and pace in the first period, but faded as the match gathered pace. Did not see too much of the ball. (6/10)

Substitutes

Damien Delaney: Slotted effortlessly into centre-back when Dann was forced off late on. However, was part of the defence that failed to clear their lines in stoppage time. (6/10)

Dwight Gayle: Replaced Campbell five minutes from time, but hardly had a touch. (5/10)

Stuart O'Keefe: Entered in the stoppage before the Arsenal corner that led to their winner. Had barely two minutes on the field. (5/10)


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Aaron Ramsey of Arsenal celebrates his goal with team mate Mikel Arteta during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on August 16, 2014
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