Arsenal made the perfect start to the new Premier League campaign by recording a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace on Friday night.
The Gunners are bidding to end their multi-year exile from the Champions League this term after falling short of a top-four finish last year - and they got their season up and running in style at Selhurst Park courtesy of a first-half header from Gabriel Martinelli and a late own goal from Marc Guehi.
William Saliba, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus all impressed on their debuts as preparations for next weekend's match against Leicester City now take centre stage. Here is all the latest reaction from the Emirates after Arsenal's opening day triumph.
Arteta hails opening day win
Arteta sung Arsenal's praises after they stood firm to take all three points against Crystal Palace.
The Gunners were impressive in the first-half and were sitting comfortably at the break through Martinelli's close-range header. But Arsenal had to weather a storm in the second-half before a late own goal sealed the points.
And Arteta was quick to hail the character of his side after the match. He said: “To win here, you need to suffer - we’ve done it and that’s part of the mentality we want to build, to come to places like this and win."
Saliba opens up on debut delight
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After enjoying a dream debut against the Eagles, Saliba could hardly hide his delight after making his long-awaited Arsenal bow.
The talented French defender has spent the majority of his time at the club out on loan since he joined the Gunners back in the summer of 2019. But the 21-year-old produced a colossal display during Friday night's 2-0 win to lay down a claim for a regular first-team spot going forward.
Reacting after the match, Saliba told Sky Sports: “It’s been a long time I’ve waited for this moment, I’m so happy to start my first game with a win and a clean sheet. It’s never easy, you have to give your maximum and it was good. It’s the first game, it’s important to win for the confidence and to start the season well.”
Arteta spells out Arsenal transfer stance
Arsenal are still hopeful of concluding more transfer business before September's deadline, according to Arteta.
The Gunners have splashed the cash again this summer in a bid to bring Champions League football back to the Emirates Stadium, but Arteta hinted after Friday night's win over Palace that Arsenal are not done yet in the market.
Arsenal have been linked with a host of names in recent weeks, including Youri Tielemans and Lucas Paqueta.
