Arsenal 2 Crystal Palace 0: Two-goal haul delights Oxlade-Chamberlain

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain admitted that it was an “amazing” feeling to score both goals as Arsenal returned back to the top of the Premier League with victory over Crystal Palace.

After a goalless first half at Emirates Stadium, Oxlade-Chamberlain – playing in a central midfield role – latched onto Santi Cazorla’s pass and lifted his finish over Julian Speroni in the 47th minute.

The England international doubled the Gunners’ lead in the 73rd minute after being found by Olivier Giroud.

I’ve been off the pitch for a while so it was nice to come back and help the team

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

And the 20-year-old was thrilled to help Arsenal move two points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League ahead of Chelsea’s trip to The Etihad on Monday night.

“It was really nice to get a start,” Oxlade-Chamberlain told Sky Sports.

“Obviously it was my first start since my injury on the first day of the season so it was nice to get out there, and to play in midfield was also nice – it’s good that the boss has faith in me there.

“It was a tough game against Palace, they made it hard for us in the first half but in the second half we knew that if we kept the tempo up and kept wearing them down that maybe we’d get more opportunities, and thankfully we did.

“It is always an amazing feeling to score a goal. I’ve been off the pitch for a while so it was nice to come back and help the team.”