As the Premier League roars back into action, the battle lines are drawn, and two London titans – Arsenal and Crystal Palace – prepare to lock horns at Selhurst Park on Monday night.
Both teams are eager to maintain their perfect start to the campaign, setting the stage for a captivating encounter under the floodlights.
Crystal Palace, under the stewardship of Roy Hodgson, secured a hard-fought victory over Sheffield United on the opening weekend. The English tactician’s return to the helm last season proved to be a masterstroke, steering the Eagles away from relegation waters and into an impressive 11th-place finish.
Hodgson’s tactical renaissance was evident in the way his team played – averaging 15.7 shots per game, a testament to their newfound attacking flair.
Who remembers this absolute belter from Granit Xhaka at Selhurst Park. pic.twitter.com/H9I8xkvqUc
— Dave (@DammitArsenal) August 19, 2023
The departure of talisman Wilfried Zaha might have raised eyebrows, but Palace’s summer transfer dealings signal a fresh chapter.
Matheus Franca and Jefferson Lerma are among the arrivals, bolstering the squad’s depth. Michael Olise’s decision to extend his stay amid interest from Chelsea is a testament to the club’s growing allure under Hodgson’s tutelage.
Arsenal, on the other hand, seeks to extend their derby dominance and maintain the momentum from their win against Nottingham Forest. The memories of last season’s record-breaking 10 London derby wins are still fresh, and the Gunners are eager to wield that dominance against the Eagles.
🗣️ “I think EVERYBODY is going to be available.”
Mikel Arteta confirms Jorginho and Oleksandr Zinchenko are back to full fitness and Gabriel Jesus can hopefully return to doing activity next week. 💪
— Connor Humm (@TikiTakaConnor) August 11, 2023
As the teams collide at Selhurst Park, Mikel Arteta’s admiration for Hodgson’s tactical acumen shines through. Arteta acknowledges the Eagles’ remarkable transformation under Hodgson, highlighting the humility and intelligence that define Hodgson’s management style. While the Spaniard’s Arsenal aims for victory, his respect for Hodgson’s approach is palpable.
Both teams will miss key players due to injuries. Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber joins Gabriel Jesus and Mohamed Elneny in the treatment room, while Palace’s squad navigates challenges with their own absences.
Only a maximum of three teams can have a 100% Premier League record after the first two games of 2023/24 season:
◉ Brighton & Hove Albion (P2 W2)
◉ Manchester City (P2 W2)
◎ Arsenal (P1 W1)
◎ Crystal Palace (P1 W1)Roy Hodgson meets Mikel Arteta on Monday night. 🍿 pic.twitter.com/9qEpMGuX0U
— Squawka (@Squawka) August 19, 2023
The spotlight will also be on Bukayo Saka, who’s closing in on Paul Merson’s club record of 82 consecutive Premier League appearances.
The fixture’s history adds spice to the narrative. Palace’s victory against Sheffield United last week marked the first time they had 24 shots in an away Premier League game, hinting at their offensive intent. The Gunners, though, have an edge in their recent encounters with the Eagles.
As the London rivals prepare to collide under the lights, the echoes of past battles and the weight of expectations converge. It’s more than just a football match; it’s a narrative that encapsulates the essence of rivalry, determination, and the unbreakable bond between fans and their beloved clubs.
Writer – Yash Bisht
It should be easier, because Zaha left Crystal Palace and we have more tall players to defend in set-pieces
Hodgson seemed to have found a much better system after taking a two-year break, but Arteta’s double-inverted-fullback tactic would likely make us win the ball possession
Get your facts right, we only invert either side of the full backs not both.
When we had the ball in our first EPL game this season, Partey and Timber cut inside to help Rice in deep midfield area
NO! They are not meant to invert simultaneously and they did’nt, partey was the inverted FB while timber played as a traditional left back although limited from bombing forward and of course his right footedness means he will cut in a little so as to ensure better possession and passing of the ball, same applied to tomi when he replaced timber.
Most expensive penalty in English football.
These local derbies are tough encounter, but as a fan once said, Arsenal is not expected to drop a single point in August.
Tough away game indeed. Every 10 on field Palace players are physical behemoth. Rice and Partey better suit up in armours. Martinelli and Saka will be facing strong challenges. Saliba, Gabriel and White will be waiting for the battles of their lives. Good luck boys.
I Think trossard and zinchenko gotta start, they are definitely the weapon to pierce palace’s defence easier meanwhile partey-rice pivot maintained with Gabriel making his return to the starting line up pairing with saliba to immune us from dispossession and vulnerability to concession.COYG!!!
Arsenal will need to get their passes right and confident and accurate against palace as they will look to close down on players and win the ball. Arsenal shouldn’t let them close enough to be physically bullied by them. Need to play top notch one touch football. Then it’ll be fine I think. Palace always outmuscle. Arsenal shouldn’t play at their strengths.