Afternoon all. So, the Premier League appears to be sorting itself out: the big and rich kids win more or less every time, there are just six of them rather than the four there were previously. And Arsenal need a win today, with Spurs and Manchester United on their heels but Manchester City in their sights. But then again so do Crystal Palace, whose new manager has had dealings with them before. This could get revitalisingly messy.

Premier League / Matchday 19

Emirates Stadium / 01.01.2017

Arsenal

Completed

Crystal Palace

O. Giroud(17')
A. Iwobi(56')

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ByTom Adams

Updated 01/01/2017 at 17:51 GMT

16:48

Really, this game should be over. Palace have been entirely unable to cope with Arsenal's switches of play, pace and movement, and it's hard to see how that's going to change. On the other hand, Arsenal haven't made that many chances, nor is their finishing so reliable that you can be certain they'll score more. But they probably will.

45+1'

Half-time: Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace

45+1'

Oh this is a mess, the ball clipped across and Kelly finding himself in a right two-and, unable to muster the strength in his legs to clear, presenting a chance to Iwobi, whose effort is blocked, likewise Sanchez's.

45'

There shall be one added minute.

45'

This might explain what I said about Mkhirtaryan's goal versus Giroud's. Obviously we've no need to rank them - we can just enjoy both - but for description's sake.

44'

Not much going on here. This should sort that.

43'

42'

Arsenal have slowed down a little, which must fill their supporters with trepidation. Far too many times, they've dominated, only scored once, and been pegged back.

40'

He later complimented my wife on her handbag, as did Robert Pires. Interesting or what?

39'

I was in the discotheque recently, and Olivier Giroud was in the toilet at the same time as me. "You - you ... you look like..." said the attendant. "Olivier Giroud?" said Olivier Giroud. "Yeah, him," said the attendant. "I am him," said Olivier Giroud." "You are as well," said I. "you're admiring yourself in the mirror playing with your hair.

THE END

38'

Snigger.

37'

The ball bounces around just outside the Arsenal box and Ward struggles hard to win it, creating a shooting opportunity for Cabaye - but he drags his effort straight at Cech. Still, it's something I suppose.

36'

34'

Sanchez, Iwobi and Monreal gang up on Palace's right flank, forcing Dann to crane a neck and head clear when the latter's cross comes over. Then Sanchez comes in off the left and curves a shot towards the far corner which doesn't quite come back enough.

31'

Zaha and Townsend are basically playing as full-backs now. Sam Allardyce has a lot of work to do at half-time, and only really if Arsenal can refrain from scoring again.

29'

Palace has barely mustered any offence. They need to get the ball into Benteke's feet and go from there.

28'

Iwobi clips a lovely pass over the top for Lucas, coming in off the right to confound Ward - not for the first time. But his first touch is heavy, and the ball runs away from him.

26'

Sanchez nips into the box on the left, turns, and lays back to Elneny who thunders a drive just wide of the near post. I'm not entirely certain why Arsene Wenger bought him, or at least if he ever saw him as a first pick, but his desire to shoot is something this team can use.

Image credit: Reuters

25'

Palace can't cope with Arsenal's movement and pace on the break, which is going to make things tricky for them. How do they commit men forwards?

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