Arsenal got off to a great start at the Emirates as they prepare for life without Alexis Sanchez.

The Gunners found themselves four goals to the good within the opening 22 minutes as Crystal Palace's game plan crumbled.

Nacho Monreal opened the scoring from a corner, before turning provider for both Alex Iwobi and Laurent Koscielny.

Alexandre Lacazette then all-but finished the game off by adding the fourth after a nice backheel from Mesut Ozil.

Palace battled well second half, and even managed to get a goal back through Luka Milivojevic.

But the Gunners first half blitz was enough to secure them the points in a convincing victory for Arsene Wenger's men.

Arsenal: Cech, Bellerin, Mustafi, Koscielny, Monreal, Elneny, Wilshere, Xhaka, Ozil, Iwobi, Lacazette

Subs: Ospina, Mertesacker, Kolasinac, Chambers, Maitland-Niles, Nelson, Nketiah

Crystal Palace: Hennessey, Fosu-Mensah, Kelly, Tomkins, Van Aanholt, McArthur, Cabaye, Milivojevic, Sako, Zaha, Benteke.

Subs: Speroni, Souare, Ward, Delaney, Riedewald, Lee, Townsend

Wenger on Sanchez

Arsene Wenger has revealed how close Arsenal are to completing the swap transfer of Alexis Sanchez and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

Both players were missing from their respective squads on Saturday as the Red Devils and the Gunners claimed three points.

Sanchez trained with the Arsenal first team on Friday and was set to be a part of the squad that faced Crystal Palace on Saturday.

However, Mirror Sport understands Sanchez left Arsenal’s team hotel last night just before 11pm and was bound for Manchester to complete his move to Old Trafford.

Read more here: - https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/arsene-wenger-reveals-how-close-11885451

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Image:
Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Arsenal player ratings

Here are Arsenal’s player ratings, from our friends at Football.London.


Petr Cech 6

Didn’t have too much to do but made one excellent block to deny Benteke after the break. Couldn’t do anything with the goal.

Hector Bellerin 6

Had to play second fiddle to Monreal, but still provided some good width and intent down the right.

Laurent Koscielny 7

Made one crunching tackle on McArthur that thundered around the Emirates and coped well with the physical Benteke. Marked his return with a goal.

Shkodran Mustafi 6

Looked happy to have Koscielny next to him again. Was never really troubled during a comfortable afternoon’s work.

Nacho Monreal 9

What can you say? Arsenal’s left-back was on the pitch for just over half an hour, scored one and set up two. Wonderful performance before limping off.

Granit Xhaka 7

Started things rolling with a perfect corner to set up Monreal’s goal. Kept things ticking over in midfield without really having to get out of second gear.

Mohamed Elneny 6

Sat just in front of the back four at times and helped keep things tight. Lucky not to give away a penalty in the second half for a trip on Zaha.

Jack Wilshere 8

Produced some magical drops of the shoulder to get away from his man. Just a class act playing at the top of his game. Played a big part in the fourth goal.

Alex Iwobi 8

Really good performance. He was direct, looked confident and caused Palace plenty of problems. Scored a goal and was unlucky not to get another.

Mesut Ozil 9

Fabulous display from Arsenal’s main man. Ozil ran the show, dictating the play throughout. His touch, vision and technique was breathtaking at times. His flick for Lacazette’s goal was worth the admission fee alone.

Alexandre Lacazette 7

Finally broke his barren spell with a smart finish from Ozil’s flick. Always on the move and calling for the ball. Lively display.

Substitutes

Ainsley Maitland-Niles 7

Made one horrible mistake which almost led to a Palace goal, but other than that the youngster coped well against the threat of Zaha.

Reiss Nelson 5

Never really got into the game. Had a couple of opportunities to set off on a run but couldn’t take advanatge.

Sead Kolasinac 5

Replaced Iwobi late on and played the final few minutes on the left side of the attack.

Read more here: - https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/arsenal-player-ratings-crystal-palace-11884988

Arsenal's Spanish defender Nacho Monreal celebrates after scoring (
Image:
Getty)

Who needs Alexis?

Arsenal fans would have arrived at Saturday’s game against Crystal Palace at the Emirates feeling a little uneasy.

With the ongoing rumours surrounding Alexis Sanchez’s now likely move to Manchester United , and the transfers of Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang not secured yet, they’d have been expecting a tough afternoon against Roy Hodgson’s organised side.

Then Arsenal went 4-0 up inside 22 minutes .

Goals from Nacho Monreal, Alex Iwobi, Laurent Koscielny and Alexandre Lacazette saw the Gunners race into a stunning advantage within the first quarter of the game, blowing Hodgson’s Eagles away.

Follow this link to read more: - https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/who-needs-alexis-arsenals-unlikely-11883790

Alexis Sanchez scarf (
Image:
FullTimeDEVILS)

5 talking points from John Cross

Arsenal proved there was life after Alexis Sanchez after blitzing Crystal Palace.

They turned on the style by smashing four past Palace by half time as Nacho Monreal was the unlikely hero with the opening goal and two assists before being substituted after just 33 minutes.

It was exactly what Arsenal needed even if Palace were awful in defence, started slowly and keeper Wayne Hennessey and midfielder James McArthur both had nightmares.

Arsenal’s first came after five minutes when Granit Xhaka’s cross was forced in by Monreal after McArthur lost him in the penalty box.

Monreal’s cut back set up Alex Iwobi after ten minutes, then the Spanish left back lost McArthur to pull it back for Laurent Koscielny to score from close range.

Palace’s final gift came after 22 minutes when Mesut Ozil and Jack Wilshere combined brilliantly to set up Alexandre Lacazette who broke his nine game goal drought with a shot that Hennessey should have saved.

Palace got a late consolation as Luka Milivojevic fired home in the 78th minute as Petr Cech will have to wait a little longer for his 200th clean sheet.

Read the full report here: - https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/arsenal-4-1-crystal-palace-11884565

Crystal Palace's Yohan Cabaye and Martin Kelly look dejected after conceding another goal (
Image:
REUTERS)

Full time: Arsenal 4-1 Crystal Palace

It’s all over at the Emirates, and it’s a convincing win for the Gunners. Arsene Wenger’s men did all their work in the first 22 minutes as they flew into a 4-0 lead. Nacho Monreal headed home the first from a corner, before he assisted both Alex Iwobi and Laurent Koscielny who added the second and third goals respectively. Mesut Ozil then backheeled beautifully into the path of Alexandre Lacazette who made it four. Palace had a bit more of a go second half and managed to pull a goal back when Luka Milivojevic volleyed home from Christian Benteke’s flick from a corner. No Alexis Sanchez for Arsenal, but going on this scoreline - do they need him?

Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal celebrates his goal with Mesut Ozil (
Image:
Action Plus via Getty Images)

GOAL! Arsenal 4-1 Crystal Palace

Luka Milivojevic has pulled one back for Palace. Christian Benteke won a header from a corner which found Milivojevic. He chested down and produced a controlled volley into the far corner. Still time to play here but surely no more than a consolation for Hogdson’s men.

Crystal Palace's midfielder Luka Milivojevic shoots and scores past Arsenal's goalkeeper Petr Cech (
Image:
Getty Images)

Palace battling away but Arsenal in control

Hector Bellerin of Arsenal battles with Patrick van Aanholt of Crystal Palace (
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Action Plus via Getty Images)

Another look at that Ozil back heel

Flicked into the path of Lacazette for the fourth goal. Great play by the German.

Mesut Ozil of Arsenal back heels to set up the fourth goal (
Image:
Getty Images)

Half time: Arsenal 4-0 Crystal Palace

Well what a half the home fans have been treated to here at the Emirates. Four goals, all of which came in the opening 22 minutes. First Nacho Monreal heads the Gunners in front at the back post from a corner. Then Monreal set up the next two goals, cutting the ball back for Alex Iwobi and Laurent Koscielny to finish off, before Alexandre Lacazette made it four following a nice move and assist from Mesut Ozil. It could well be a case of damage limitation this second half for Palace boss Roy Hodgson.

Alex Iwobi of Arsenal celebrates with team mates after he scores as he makes it 2-0 (
Image:
Action Plus via Getty Images)

Any way back for Palace?

The visitors find themselves four down here at the Emirates. They need one hell of a comeback. Surely there is no way back for them?

Christian Benteke of Crystal Palace look dejected (
Image:
Getty Images)

GOAL! Arsenal 4-0 Crystal Palace

This is turning into a rout here at the Emirates. Arsenal 4-0 up now. Alexandre Lacazette finished off a nice move from the Gunners after Mesut Ozil’s neat backheel. Just over 20 minutes gone here and it’s pretty much game over.

Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his sides fourth goal (
Image:
Getty Images)

GOAL! Arsenal 3-0 Crystal Palace

Arsenal have got another! Less than 13 minutes gone here and they lead by three. This time it’s Laurent Koscielny who has got on the scoresheet. Again it’s come from a corner, from the same side as Monreal’s. The ball floated to the back post, cut back by Monreal and helped over the line by Koscielny. Palace’s game plan has been completely undone in the opening stages and they’ve got a long way to come back from this.

Laurent Koscielny of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his sides third goal (
Image:
Getty Images)

GOAL! Arsenal 2-0 Crystal Palace

Arsenal have gone two up here, and it’s Alex Iwobi with the goal. The scorer of the first goal Nacho Monreal this time turns provider, as his cut back is sidefooted home by Iwobi. Great start for the Gunners.

Arsenal's Alex Iwobi scores his side's second goal of the game (
Image:
PA)

GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace

And Arsenal have an early lead here, and it’s come from an unlikely source. Nacho Monreal has put them in front. Less than five minutes gone here and Monreal has headed home at the back post from a corner.

Arsenal's Nacho Monreal scores their first goal (
Image:
Action Images via Reuters)

Can Wilfried Zaha cause Arsenal problems today?

Crystal Palace's Wilfried Zaha during the warm up before the match (
Image:
Action Images via Reuters)

Ozil out on pitch

Arsenal's Mesut Ozil before the match (
Image:
REUTERS)

Hodgson on pitch inspection

Roy Hodgson, Manager of Crystal Palace inspects the pitch prior to the Premier League match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace (
Image:
Getty Images)

Arsenal are in the building

Arsenal's Hector Bellerin before the Premier League match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace (
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Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

No sign of Sanchez for the Gunners

Here's the team news for the visitors...

Coquelin on Sanchez

Former Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin has dismissed claims Alexis Sanchez was a disruption on the Arsenal dressing room.

The Chilean is finally set to complete his move to Manchester United after a dramatic breakthrough in talks.

He will follow Coquelin out of the Emirates exit, after the midfielder joined Valencia earlier this month, reports Football.London.

Speaking to BBC’s Football Focus, Coquelin said he doesn’t understand the claims that there has been tensions between the Chilean and the rest of the Arsenal squad.

“Well, you know Alexis Sanchez has quality on the pitch. He is someone who, at any time, he can produce something magical so he is a top player,” Coquelin said.

Read the full story here - https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/francis-coquelin-insists-alexis-sanchez-11882734

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Image:
Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Sanchez scarves on sale at Old Trafford

Manchester United fans can get their hands on Alexis Sanchez merchandise ahead of the Chilean’s move from Arsenal.

There was a dramatic breakthrough in the transfer saga on Friday night ahead of the switch.

Mirror Sport understands Sanchez left Arsenal’s team hotel before 11pm and was bound for Manchester to complete his move to Old Trafford.

Sanchez was due to be in the Arsenal squad after Arsene Wenger named 19 players but then got pulled out and said his goodbyes to his team mates after a breakthrough in negotiations.

It appears Arsenal forced United’s hand by picking him but he then dropped out after a dramatic late twist.

Read the full story: - https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/alexis-sanchez-scarves-sale-old-11882847

Alexis Sanchez scarf (
Image:
FullTimeDEVILS)

Live stream details, TV info, team news and more ahead of the match

Mesut Ozil is available following a knee problem for Aresenal and defenders Laurent Koscielny and Nacho Monreal (both ankle) are also pushing to return.

But Olivier Giroud (hamstring) is not in contention while Santi Cazorla (Achilles) is a long-term absentee.

Joel Ward returns for Crystal Palace after a month out with a groin injury, and Yohan Cabaye has overcome a minor complaint to be fit.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Andros Townsend, Mamadou Sakho and Scott Dann headline the Eagles’ lengthy injury list.

Follow this link for details about the match, what time it starts, where you can watch it and more.

Alexis Sanchez trained with Arsenal and could even feature on Saturday (
Image:
Arsenal FC)

Sanchez in the money

Alexis Sanchez is nearing a stunning move to Manchester United with the Arsenal star’s wages set to sky rocket once he signs for the Red Devils.

The Chilean has reportedly agreed a £56m, four-and-a-half year contract with United, according to the Telegraph .

While the Gunners must accept a fee, it is seen as a formality with United willing to match the £35m asking price—despite the player’s contract set to expire this summer.

The key to the move will be whether Henrikh Mkhitaryan moves in the opposite direction, with the Armenian yet to be receptive to being included in the move.

Read the full story here: - https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/alexis-sanchezs-astronomical-man-united-11868223

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Image:
Daily Mirror)

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang appears to have been pictured enjoying a kick-about with his pals - while Borussia Dortmund were in action.

The Bundesliga side drew 1-1 with Hertha Berlin on Friday night with Aubameyang not involved as he closes in on a move to Arsenal.

Dortmund chief Michael Zorc is expected to fly to London on Saturday to finalise the deal.

Aubameyang was left out of the squad to face Hertha but pictures have emerged from BILD of the Gabon striker allegedly having a kick-about.

The striker is seen wearing a Dortmund shirt with No.7 on the back, previously worn by Ousmane Dembele.

Dortmund's Gabonese forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (
Image:
AFP)