Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur were victorious in Premier League’s opening day London derbies, beating Crystal Palace and West Ham United respectively.
The resignation of Crystal Palace boss Tony Pulis dominated the build-up to the opening day fixture against Arsenal but Pulis’ former team produced a solid display, which nearly tested Arsenal to the limit.
And, they took a suprise lead at the Emirates as Brede Hangeland rose above everyone in the box to head past Wojciech Szczesny.
But the opening goal only served as a reminder to Arsenal that they had not won at home on opening day since 2009 and they responded in style as Laurent Koscielny scored a superb header following a free-kick from Alexis Sanchez.
And, Arsene Wenger’s side would get that win when Aaron Ramsey tapped home late on following some good build up play from Mathieu Debuchy.
Meanwhile, Spurs proved too strong for West Ham United as a Eric Dier goal gave Mauricio Pochettino an opening day win, despite being down to ten-men following the dismissal of Kyle Naughton.