Arsenal vs Crystal Palace: Gunners Aim to Extend Lead at the Top as Eagles Seek to Rebound

Arsenal welcome Crystal Palace to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon, with Mikel Arteta’s side determined to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League, while Oliver Glasner hopes to spark a turnaround in his team’s stuttering form.

The Gunners come into this clash riding a wave of momentum after their 4–0 demolition of Atlético Madrid in the Champions League. Viktor Gyökeres was the standout performer, scoring twice, and will be eager to carry that confidence into domestic action. Eberechi Eze, meanwhile, will line up against his former club for the first time since crossing to the other side of London. He’ll be hoping to make an impact once more after scoring for Palace in last season’s 2–2 draw at the Emirates the only match in the last six meetings between these sides that Arsenal failed to win.

Arteta’s men have been a model of defensive consistency this season, conceding just three goals while facing the fewest shots, fewest on target, and the lowest expected-goals figure in the league. That solidity will be tested, though, with Gabriel a major doubt after picking up a knock against Atlético. “Gabriel hasn’t trained since coming off in the Champions League,” Arteta confirmed on Friday, suggesting that young defender Mosquera could be drafted in to deal with the physical threat of Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Crystal Palace travel across London seeking to rediscover their rhythm after a disappointing defeat to AEK Larnaca in the UEFA Conference League and a chaotic 3–3 draw with Bournemouth. Glasner’s side have been creating chances at will this season, leading the league for shots on target, expected goals, and big chances. Yet their finishing has consistently let them down no team has missed more clear opportunities and their xG underperformance of -5.4 is the worst in the Premier League.

Mateta remains Palace’s most reliable weapon in front of goal. Eight of his last nine league goals have come in London, and he has found the net five times in his last eight London-derby appearances, underlining his knack for rising to derby occasions.

History, however, is not on Palace’s side. They have won only once in their last fourteen league visits to Arsenal a 3–2 victory back in April 2019 under Roy Hodgson. Arsenal, meanwhile, have lost just two of their last seventy home Premier League matches when starting the day top of the table. They also lead the division for goals from set pieces, finding the net via corners or free kicks in six of their eight games this campaign a testament to their precision and planning on the training ground.

Glasner has the luxury of a fully fit squad ahead of the trip to North London, while Arteta faces a late call on Gabriel’s availability. Whatever the lineup, the Emirates is set for a gripping London derby between one side fighting to extend their lead at the top of the table and another desperate to rediscover its cutting edge.

Arsenal’s defensive organisation and home advantage should see them through, though Palace’s attacking intent will ensure a competitive encounter.