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