Half-Time Report: Arsenal 0-1 Crystal Palace… Benteke makes the difference

Christian Benteke’s 17th-minute header is separating Crystal Palace from Arsenal in the first half of the Premier League encounter.

The home side made a bright start to the match and had a very early chance through Ozil in the opening minute, but a good save by Guaita denied him.

Arsenal started to give away needless free-kicks though as they struggled to keep hold of possession and one of those led to the goal.

Luka Milivojevic delivers a perfect free-kick from the right and Benteke arrives unmarked with a diving header to put the Eagles in front.

The Gunners have had a lot of opportunities since going behind, but they troubled Guaita in Palace’s goal.

Arsenal got into a lot of dangerous positions in the first half and had a couple of half chances, but if they want to find a way back into the game, then they need to be more clinical in front of goal.

Aubameyang has also struggled to get on the ball so far, so they will need to get him involved more often as he is a threat in front of goal.

Hodgson will be happy with his team’s performance so far and they have caused Arsenal a lot of problems when they eventually get forward.

Photo Credit: premierleague.com