Crystal Palace vs Arsenal: Player Ratings

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James Benge16 August 2015

Crystal Palace went toe-to-toe with Arsenal’s star-studded attack in a thrilling match at Selhurst Park. Unfortunately it was their defence that cost the home side dearly.

The return of Alexis Sanchez and, equally importantly, Hector Bellerin gave the visitor’s attack much needed variety and pace, providing Mesut Ozil with the energetic runners he needs to thrive.

All three were crucial in Arsenal’s goals, with the German crossing for Olivier Giroud to volley in for the opener. But it was Bellerin and Sanchez that gave Palace’s defence the most torrid of times, with the latter seeming to prompt shanked clearances and misplaced passes from his opponents by his mere presence.

Palace were soon level thanks to Joel Ward’s low effort but a rickety defence could not hold out the Gunners forever. Indeed it was to be one of the home side’s players who gave Arsenal a lead, Damien Delaney turning Sanchez’s header into his own net around the hour mark.

The hosts attacked with vigour from then on but Arsenal’s defence held out, admittedly with plenty of nervy moments.

But who were the star men? Scroll through the gallery above to find out.

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