EPL: Crystal Palace 2-3 Arsenal
Gunners edge entertaining game
Alexis Sanchez's second half brace saw Arsenal claim a battling 3-2 win at Crystal Palace at a chilly Selhurst Park.
The Eagles welcomed back striker Christian Benteke from suspension, while the Gunners reverted to a back three following their defensive mishaps against Liverpool on Friday.
On the occasion where he equalled Sir Alex Ferguson's record of 810 Premier League games in charge, Arsene Wenger saw his side start out with plenty of verve but their vigour was matched by the hosts.
Wilfried Zaha was particularly sharp for the Eagles, setting up Yohan Cabaye for the first real chance, while Calum Chambers was perhaps lucky to escape punishment for handball on the edge of the area.
With Arsenal enjoying 71% possession, they eventually made the breakthrough when Shkodran Mustafi steered home on 25 minutes after Julian Speroni had spilled Alexandre Lacazette's effort.
The Gunners continued to dominate heading towards the break but were hit by a sucker punch after 49 minutes when Andros Townsend finished supremely after finding space.
Roy Hodgson's men now had their tails up but failed to create too many chances and Alexis Sanchez made them pay, scampering on to Lacazette's pass before striking home after 66 minutes.
Sanchez was at it again four minutes later, firing in from the edge of the box after nice work by Jack Wilshere.
The Gunners by now running riot, and Speroni was forced into action again by Hector Bellerin.
As the minutes ticked away, there was time for James Tomkins to set up a grandstand finish with a late header.
However, it was not enough and the Gunners ended Palace's recent unbeaten run with a decent, if not entirely convincing win.
On the occasion where he equalled Sir Alex Ferguson's record of 810 Premier League games in charge, Arsene Wenger saw his side start out with plenty of verve but their vigour was matched by the hosts.
Wilfried Zaha was particularly sharp for the Eagles, setting up Yohan Cabaye for the first real chance, while Calum Chambers was perhaps lucky to escape punishment for handball on the edge of the area.
With Arsenal enjoying 71% possession, they eventually made the breakthrough when Shkodran Mustafi steered home on 25 minutes after Julian Speroni had spilled Alexandre Lacazette's effort.
The Gunners continued to dominate heading towards the break but were hit by a sucker punch after 49 minutes when Andros Townsend finished supremely after finding space.
Roy Hodgson's men now had their tails up but failed to create too many chances and Alexis Sanchez made them pay, scampering on to Lacazette's pass before striking home after 66 minutes.
Sanchez was at it again four minutes later, firing in from the edge of the box after nice work by Jack Wilshere.
The Gunners by now running riot, and Speroni was forced into action again by Hector Bellerin.
As the minutes ticked away, there was time for James Tomkins to set up a grandstand finish with a late header.
However, it was not enough and the Gunners ended Palace's recent unbeaten run with a decent, if not entirely convincing win.