Half-Time Report: Santi Cazorla and Olivier Giroud give Arsenal lead over Crystal Palace

Santi Cazorla's early penalty and a late finish from Olivier Giroud have given Arsenal a 2-0 half-time lead over hosts Crystal Palace in the Premier League this afternoon.

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The visitors took the lead after just eight minutes when Pape Souare brought down Danny Welbeck inside the box, leaving a calm and collected Cazorla to roll home from the spot.

The hosts looked to respond as Dwight Gayle broke down the flank to cross for Fraizer Campbell, whose headed effort was blocked six yards out from goal.

Jordon Mutch appeared creative for the home side and he turned in an impressive cross for Campbell, but he could not make the most of it as his header failed to test David Ospina.

With the game moving from end to end, Arsenal might have grabbed as Francis Coquelin sized one up from range, although his eventual effort flew wide of the target.

The miss was not to matter too much, given that Giroud doubled the visitors' advantage with a neat finish into the bottom corner from close range just before the half-time whistle.