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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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