Eberechi Eze scored the decisive goal against his former club as Arsenal defeated Crystal Palace 1–0 at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table to four points.
The £67 million summer signing from Palace made the difference in the 39th minute, converting a well-worked set piece that reflected Arsenal’s growing strength from dead-ball situations this season.
Declan Rice curled a teasing free-kick into the box, and defender Gabriel rose highest to nod the ball into Eze’s path. The midfielder wasted no time, acrobatically firing home into the bottom corner to register his first Premier League goal for the Gunners.
Crystal Palace, who were coming off a midweek defeat to AEK Larnaca in Europe, showed moments of resilience as Jean-Philippe Mateta battled hard upfront, but the visitors failed to seriously trouble Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.
Arsenal nearly doubled their lead in the second half when Gabriel’s header struck the crossbar and Bukayo Saka went close with a curling effort from the edge of the area.
The win stretched Arsenal’s unbeaten run in all competitions to ten matches and marked their 11th goal from set-pieces this season, the highest in the league.
Speaking after the match, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised his team’s ability to grind out results. “These are the kind of games that define title contenders. We weren’t at our best, but we showed character and discipline,” he said.
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner admitted his players tired as the match progressed. “We competed well, but Arsenal’s quality showed in key moments. The schedule is tight, and we’ll need to rotate smartly,” he noted.
Arsenal now sit four points clear at the top of the table as they continue their push for a first league title since 2004.
