Arsenal scraped a narrow away win against Crystal Palace, but Melbet Login analysts noted that Mikel Arteta’s lineup decisions and in-game adjustments still left much to be desired. While the Gunners walked away with all three points, the victory was far from convincing and nearly slipped away due to tactical missteps.

The match-winner was captain Martin Ødegaard, who calmly converted a penalty and was later named Man of the Match. Bukayo Saka also played an instrumental role in the team’s success, creating multiple chances despite not registering a shot on target. In a surprising act of selflessness, Saka handed over penalty duties to Ødegaard—despite being Arsenal’s usual first-choice taker—earning praise from Melbet Login fans for his maturity and team spirit.

New signing Declan Rice impressed as well, completing 90 percent of his passes and setting up a key scoring opportunity. After the match, Rice described the final stretch as a huge relief for the squad. The turning point came in the second half when Takehiro Tomiyasu was sent off, drastically shifting momentum. His first yellow card was harsh—penalized for a time-wasting throw-in delay initiated by Kai Havertz. The second, for a soft pullback before the halfway line, was equally questionable.

Despite that, the root of Arsenal’s struggles stemmed from their experimental formation. The back line looked stretched, with Thomas Partey forced to cover defensively while Havertz floated aimlessly in midfield. Melbet Login observers agreed that the team’s new tactical setup caused confusion, especially for players like Havertz, who once again seemed lost and ineffective, offering little in either attack or control.

Against stronger opponents, this system may not hold up. Fortunately, the season has just begun, and Arsenal have time to fine-tune their chemistry. With Ødegaard leading from the front, William Saliba anchoring the defense, and Rice proving himself as both a shield and motivator, the squad has the backbone to compete at the highest level. But it’s also clear that some tactical shifts have come at the cost of stability.

Havertz turned in another disappointing performance, wandering without purpose and failing to contribute meaningfully. Partey did his job, but the shift away from Arsenal’s established identity raised questions. Melbet Login analysts pointed out that abandoning core strengths for untested formations may backfire unless certain players raise their game. Rice, meanwhile, continues to be a consistent and inspiring figure—arguably the vice-captain in all but name.