As Arsenal get ready for their upcoming fixture against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Monday, the importance of this match is not lost on the manager or the fans.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 05: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, applauds their fans after the final whistle of the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal FC at Selhurst Park on August 05, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 05: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, applauds their fans after the final whistle of the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal FC at Selhurst Park on August 05, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

With memories of last season’s impressive victory at the same venue, Mikel Arteta is keen to ensure his side delivers a performance echoing their title aspirations.

Arsenal’s 2-0 victory at Selhurst Park last season marked a turning point in their form. After the win, the Gunners went on to claim victories in nine of their next 10 league matches.

Discussing the team’s evolution since that match, Mikel Arteta said, “Yes, and it helps the confidence of the team when we go into games like this and impose yourself and send out that message.”

Arsenal's Belgian midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga (R) comes on for Arsenal's Norwegian midfielder Martin Odegaard (L) during the English Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal at Selhurst Park in south London on August 5, 2022. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Belgian midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga (R) comes on for Arsenal’s Norwegian midfielder Martin Odegaard (L) during the English Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal at Selhurst Park in south London on August 5, 2022. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images

He also emphasised the internal importance of such a victory, “I’m more worried about the message we send to ourselves than any external one. But I think it was an important one.”

Coming off the back of a 2-1 win against Nottingham Forest, Arteta and his Arsenal side are keen to carry forward their momentum.

The manager acknowledges the unique challenges of playing away, especially at venues like Selhurst Park, stating, “You have to go to these grounds and impose yourself and it’s very difficult to do that.”

The Arsenal head coach also noted the strengths of the Crystal Palace team, “We had some experiences before at Brentford on that. It’s going to be different on Monday.

“They are extremely well organised, they don’t concede too much, and it’s going to be a tough test for us.”

The recent addition of players like Kai Havertz and Declan Rice gives Arsenal a physical edge, which Arteta believes will be crucial.

“We have to have a physical game. We have to be ready for that and now we have a squad more capable to play that game much better,” he explained.

Furthermore, there’s anticipation surrounding Oleksandr Zinchenko, who might make his debut for the season after finally recovering from a calf injury.