Following a goalless first half, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain got his first of the season when he finished calmly after intelligent play from Santi Cazorla.
Palace could have had an equaliser but Cameron Jerome’s diving header was excellently saved by Wojciech Szczesny.
Oxlade-Chamberlain then doubled his tally for the season after he combined with team-mate Olivier Giroud.
The result takes Arsenal back above Manchester City, although Manuel Pellegrini’s side can in turn regain top spot if they beat Chelsea at Etihad Stadium on Monday.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger:
“It was a great day for [Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain]. He was out for a long, long time and we needed to be patient to get him back to full fitness. He had a great game and scored two great goals.
“Crystal Palace were well organised and united in their desire to do the job. They are a physically strong side and we knew we had to take advantage of our chances, and we did.
“I believe Chamberlain can play out wide or centrally. Certainly in a few years he will be a central midfielder. He has that surge of power which is so vital in the game today. He is also a good finisher and hopefully these two goals will give him some confidence as he is not always sure he is a good goalscorer.”
Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain:
“It’s never nice to be injured for five months and it was hard, especially with the boys doing well.
“Being out for a long time is mentally tough, but you have to stay positive and you think that when you come back you will be stronger – that’s what keeps you motivated.
“I want to improve my goalscoring record. The manager tells me I need to improve and this was a step in the right direction.”
Crystal Palace manager Tony Pulis:
“Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has run off the back of Marouane Chamakh for the first goal, but Joel Ward’s body shape and position was poor. He has held his hands up. If you switch off for a couple of seconds, it’s a goal.
“We seemed pretty comfortable and we had a great chance ourselves and that would have changed the game.
“Arsenal are a very good side and move the ball very well. Our players have done a remarkable job since I’ve been here. We’ve played all the top teams away from home, so we have got that out of the way and now it is up to us.”
Written by Steve Milne
