Mikel Arteta is doubling down on his promise to bring more transfers to Arsenal after the debutants shone in defeating Crystal Palace

MIKEL ARTETA admits he still wants more signings despite Arsenal’s 2-0 win at Crystal Palace.

The Gunners boss praised “outstanding” debutant William Saliba, while star summer recruits Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko also impressed in Friday night’s Premier League opener.

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But Arteta confirmed he wants to expand his fleet of five newcomers before the September 1 transfer window closes.

Asked if there would be more additions, the Spaniard told Sky Sports: “We’ll try.

“If we can do that, great. But now it’s working with the players we have, the focus should be on the players we have.”

“You need the right balance because if you fall physically short in this game, you will be exposed.

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“The most important thing is to win the first game to build confidence and momentum.

“Then you can talk about things we need to improve – there were quite a few today to be honest.”

Arsenal’s win in south London was more about graft than craft.

Gabriel Martinelli nodded home after a header from Zinchenko in the 20th minute.

And although the Eagles pushed well for the late equalizer, Marc Guehi doubled the Gunners’ success rate by heading a Bukayo Saka cross into his own net.

Arteta said: “This is the resilience we need to win football games.

“Aaron Ramsdale did incredibly well in a one-on-one and won the game for us.

“Saliba was great tonight. The way we started the game and played in the first half hour was great – we should have scored more goals.

“We’ve had to play the game over time in a way that we didn’t want because Palace are able to do that to you.

“To win here you have to suffer – we made it and that’s part of the mentality we want to build, to come to places like this and win.”