Arsenal 1–0 Crystal Palace: Eze Strikes Against Former Club as Arsenal Edge Palace to Stay Top

Arsenal maintained their place at the top of the Premier League table with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Crystal Palace at the Emirates, thanks to a superb first-half strike from Eberechi Eze against his former club.

The match began with a tense, scrappy rhythm as both sides struggled to find fluency. Arsenal were guilty of misplaced passes early on, allowing Palace to threaten on the counter through Jean-Philippe Mateta and Adam Wharton.

However, it was Arsenal who broke the deadlock in the 39th minute. Declan Rice delivered a teasing free-kick which Gabriel headed back across goal, and Eze met it with a sublime volley into the net his first goal against his former team. The goal marked Arsenal’s seventh from a set piece this season and extended their run of victories across all competitions.

Mikel Arteta’s side nearly doubled their advantage after the break, with Gabriel thundering a header off the crossbar from another Rice delivery. Minutes later, Marc Guehi made a crucial interception to deny Bukayo Saka from close range after a dangerous cross from Leandro Trossard.

Despite Arsenal’s control, Palace remained competitive until the final whistle. David Raya and the Gunners’ back line stood firm to record a fifth consecutive clean sheet, nullifying Palace’s late attacking surges.

The win reinforces Arsenal’s formidable defensive record they have now conceded just three goals in nine league matches. The underlying numbers reflected their control, with Arsenal creating 1.08 expected goals (xG) to Palace’s 0.47.

There were, however, some concerns for Arteta, as William Saliba was withdrawn at half-time for Mosquera, while Declan Rice and Riccardo Calafiori both limped off with injuries.

Arsenal’s victory continues their dominance over Palace at home; the Eagles have won only once in their last fifteen league visits.

Next up, Arsenal turn their attention to the Carabao Cup, where they face Brighton at the Emirates on Wednesday. Crystal Palace, meanwhile, travel to Anfield to meet a struggling Liverpool side.