Vieira highlights 'biggest difference' between Arsenal and Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira identified lack of cruelty as the difference between his side and Arsenal on Friday night.

The Gunners walked away with all three points in their Premier League opener at Selhurst Park thanks to a first-half header from Gabriel Martinelli and an own goal from the late Marc Guehi.

Arsenal dominated the opening exchanges but the Eagles challenged Arteta's side after the restart as the visitors failed to create second-half chances on Gabriel Jesus' competitive debut.

The hosts' best chance came from Eberechi Eze, who found himself in a one-on-one after receiving an accurate pass from Wilfried Zaha, but missed his effort.

"Today I think the biggest difference is that we didn't take that chance or those chances that we created to at least score a point tonight," Vieira said.

"We had a really good momentum at times, but the history of the game is that we didn't score that goal to get back into the game. That's what it's about today. "

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Earlier this week, the Palace boss admitted he was 'run out of numbers' and saw gaps all over the pitch.

Whether or not the solutions come from the transfer window or from within, he said, depends on the coffers - who will have been boosted by Christian Benteke's exit to DC United just before Friday's game .

"We are always looking to improve the team," added Vieira. "If we find the right players with the right budget, we will try to do that.

"Otherwise, there are players here who will grow over the course of the season, players who are ready to work hard for the club, and we must continue to challenge these players."

Benteke joined Wayne Rooney's side having played 177 times and scored 37 goals for Palace and was the Eagles' top scorer in 2016-17.

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish said: "Christian has been crucial to this club's Premier League journey, having an immediate impact upon his signing and playing a central role in the team ever since.

"He's someone I've had a great relationship with and he's shown incredible loyalty by staying with the club when he could have easily taken other options. We wish him all the best for the next stage of his career."

Palace's next game in a rocky start to the Premier League season is a week away on Monday when they travel to Anfield to take on Liverpool.