Cape Town - Aaron Ramsey bailed Arsenal out in injury time as the Gunners saw off a vibrant Crystal Palace outfit at the Emirates.
Read: Arsenal v Crystal Palace match report
Arsene Wenger was delighted at the fight his side showed in beating Crystal Palace.
"It was not the plan, the plan was to win the game, but because of the physicality and organisation level of Crystal Palace, it was very difficult for us. Why? Because we conceded a goal on the first corner they had.
"We lacked a bit of pace in the final third to change what we built up into dangerous situations." said Wenger on the club's website.
"But it was enough to win the game and win the three points.
"You could see that for the first game of the season, nobody won at home, we were the only team that won at home. So that shows you that it's difficult for everybody on the first day of the season. We got the three points we wanted," said the Gunners boss.
Caretaker manager Keith Millen, talking to cpfc.co.uk, as proud of the display of his side, following a tumultuous build up to the game against Arsenal.
"I am proud of the players, of the performance, but am disappointed not to get something which we deserved.
When you think what the players have been through in the last couple of days, you are never quite sure how they are going to respond to Tony leaving." said Millen
"We said to them before the game 'make sure there are no excuses' because I didn't want to have to stand up for them and say their heads weren't right to do a job because of what's happened." added the stand in Eagles boss.