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Arsenal logo
Premier League
Aug 16, 2014 at 5.30pm UK
 
Crystal Palace logo

2-1

Koscielny (46'), Ramsey (91')
FT(HT: 0-1)
Hangeland (35')

Late Aaron Ramsey winner downs brave Crystal Palace

Aaron Ramsey hits a late winner as Arsenal come from behind to beat Crystal Palace 2-1 in their Premier League opener.

Aaron Ramsey struck a stoppage-time winner as Arsenal came from behind to beat 10-man Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium this evening.

Laurent Koscielny scores the equaliser for Arsenal against Crystal Palace on August 16, 2014© AFP

The Welshman pounced in the 91st minute to down a spirited Palace side and seal the club's first opening-day victory in the Premier League for five years.

Tony Pulis's resignation dominated the build-up to the encounter, but the Eagles produced a disciplined performance under interim boss Keith Millen and made the Gunners work hard to fashion an opening.

It took the best part of half-an-hour for Arsenal to get a glimpse at goal, as Jack Wilshere's left-footed effort was tipped past the post by Julian Speroni.

Arsenal struggled to build on that opportunity and Millen's side went ahead with 10 minutes remaining in the half, as Brede Hangeland rose highest to plant a header past Wojciech Szczesny.

Crystal Palace players surround 'Big' Brede Hangeland after he scores their opener against Arsenal on August 16, 2014© Getty Images

Falling behind only served to spark the hosts into life, as Santi Cazorla had a strike deflected wide, before Laurent Koscielny headed an Alexis Sanchez free kick past Speroni on 46 minutes.

The North Londoners faced similar woes in the second half as the Palace defence successfully repelled everything that they came their way, with Sanchez and Ramsey reduced to tame shots from range.

Second-half substitute Olivier Giroud flashed an effort across the face of goal on 82 minutes, but nobody in red was on hand to convert the cross-come-shot.

Aaron Ramsey of Arsenal celebrates his goal with team mate Mikel Arteta during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on August 16, 2014© Getty Images

The hosts were given extra incentive in their quest for the three points after Jason Puncheon was sent off for a second yellow card.

Ramsey made them pay, tapping home a Mathieu Debuchy rebound from close range to seal his side's first victory on the opening day of the season since 2009.

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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal34245582265677
2Manchester CityMan City33237380324876
3Liverpool35229477364175
4Aston Villa34206871502166
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs32186865491660
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd33165125150153
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle331551369541550
8West Ham UnitedWest Ham351310125665-949
9Chelsea32138116157447
10Bournemouth34129134960-1145
11Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton331111115254-244
12Wolverhampton WanderersWolves34127154654-843
13Fulham34126165054-442
14Crystal Palace34109154456-1239
15Brentford3498175259-735
16Everton34118153648-1233
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3479184260-1826
18Luton TownLuton3467214775-2825
19Burnley3458213769-3223
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd3437243392-5916


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