Arsenal's Brazilian midfielder Gabriel Martinelli (L) celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal in the English Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal at Selhurst Park in south London on August 5, 2022. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Crystal Palace 0-2 Arsenal: Player ratings as Gunners win on opening night
Midfielders
Granit Xhaka picked up his first booking of the new campaign. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Thomas Partey (DM) – 6.5/10 – Calm and steady at the base of midfield. Partey wasn’t spectacular on Friday night, but he did his job and screened the defence well.
Granit Xhaka (CM) – 6.5/10 – Started as he means to go on by picking up his first booking of the season with a dive. Otherwise, I thought he was disciplined defensively and useful in possession. Certainly wasn’t afraid to contribute higher up the field either.
Martin Odegaard (CM) – 6/10 – Produced some gorgeous touches but he’s still allergic to his right foot and he faded considerably in the second half.
