Olivier Giroud has a massive grin on his face as the players come out for the second half. Who can blame him after that peach of a goal? 

We're back under way.

Image source, .

Here's an unusual one. Darlington boss Martin Gray missed his side's game at Halifax on Sunday - because he was getting married.

His assistant Brian Atkinson wasn't there either because he was best man.

It may look like poor planning from the Quakers manager, but the date of the wedding was arranged two years ago, when his team were in a different division.

Gray said the club asked Halifax to reschedule the game "but with all due respect, they refused". 

Which one was better then? Henrikh Mkhitaryan's scorpion or Olivier Giroud's? 

Martin Keown
Former Arsenal defender on BBC Radio 5 live

It was a very good save from Hennessey, Sanchez showed very good composure, but that only works if it goes in.

Arsenal really should be two up, at least.

Arsenal lead thanks to Olivier Giroud's stunning goal, but it's just a one-goal advantage and while it is only that, Crystal Palace are still in this.

Image source, Reuters

Wayne Hennessey superbly denies Alexis Sanchez with his feet seconds before half-time as Crystal Palace struggle to clear. Should have been 2-0.

Arsenal are trying to do too much on the edge of the area. There's several of their players lined up as Mohamed Elneny and Olivier Giroud exchange short passes before Alexis Sanchez decides to have a go from distance, but fires straight at Wayne Hennessey.

Martin Keown
Former Arsenal defender on BBC Radio 5 live

While the score is at 1-0, Crystal Palace are just one slip away from being right in the game. Sam Allardyce won't be too unhappy with this so far.

There is a frustrating pattern developing for Christian Benteke - wait for a lobbed pass, watch it sail over his head. That happens for the umpteenth time as Martin Kelly's ball is too high for the Crystal Palace striker and is caught by Petr Cech.

James: Lee Mason would have ruled that goal out for high leg/dangerous play!

That point has already been raised here in the office James. Ruling that out would have been heresy, though.

Alexis Sanchez attempts another cross towards the far post, this time hoping to pick out Olivier Giroud. It's too high for the Frenchman. He wouldn't have got to it even if he tried another scorpion kick.

A shot on target for Crystal Palace as Yohan Cabaye bends an effort from just inside the area towards goal. No danger for Petr Cech, he'll save them all day long.

The rain is really coming down now.

Alistair Bruce-Ball
MOTD commentator

Sam Allardyce is telling Wayne Hennessey to speed this game up, really yelling, and trying to push his defence further up the pitch.

Image source, Reuters

As much as Olivier Giroud's goal deserves to be the headline story from this match, Arsenal really need another goal to feel more comfortable. Alexis Sanchez tries to make that happen as he aims a cross for the far post for Mohamed Elneny, who is not quite on the same wavelength and the ball is out of play before he can react to it.

Arsenal are on the hunt again here, Alexis Sanchez clips a cross in which gets knocked down by Olivier Grioud into the path of Nacho Monreal... big chance... the flag is up.

Mark in Surbiton: I'm sorry, but if you have no idea where it is going to go, or indeed where you are trying to put it, it's a massive fluke. Just waving your foot at a ball does not a goal of the season make. 

Booooo.

Niall Horan just took the debate on Olivier Giroud's goal to 28.1m followers. 

We're approaching the half hour mark and there's not been a single shot on or off target for Crystal Palace so far. All Arsenal. 

Alistair Bruce-Ball
MOTD commentator

Sanchez has now scored or assisted 29 goals in his last 30 games for Arsenal.

Shall we just use this image as our match report?