Arsenal secured a narrow 1-0 win against Crystal Palace in their English Premier League game, thanks to Martin Odegaard’s successful 54th-minute penalty kick and some resilient defensive play despite being reduced to 10 men in the latter stages of the game.
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Takehiro Tomiyasu received a red card in the 67th minute after receiving his second yellow card, compelling Arsenal to defend with determination to preserve their consecutive wins at the beginning of the season.
Ultimately, it was a penalty that made the difference. Odegaard confidently converting from the spot after Palace goalkeeper Sam Johnstone fouled Eddie Nketiah following a quickly taken free kick. Although Bukayo Saka is usually Arsenal’s designated penalty taker, he handed the responsibility to Odegaard, the team’s captain for the match.
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Arsenal is keeping pace with potential title contender Manchester City, the reigning champions, by securing two consecutive victories. The first win, a hard-fought 2-1 triumph at home against Nottingham Forest, also posed challenges for Arsenal.
Palace struggled to create substantial attacking opportunities until Tomiyasu’s second yellow card, which came after he was adjudged to have pulled the jersey of Jordan Ayew as the Palace forward tried to chase a ball played over the top. While the second booking seemed harsh, Tomiyasu’s dismissal marked the fifth red card handed out in the second round of Premier League matches.
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During the first half, Nketiah missed two excellent chances when set up first by Saka and then by Rice. His initial attempt struck the post, and the subsequent shot was lifted over the crossbar.
Palace had earlier registered a 1-0 win over Sheffield United in their opening game. Aside from Arsenal and City, Brighton is the only other team with a six points after two matches.
