Eberechi Eze delivered a telling blow to his former team by scoring his first Premier League goal for Arsenal in a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday to extend the North London club’s lead at the top of the standings.
Eze, who spent five seasons at Selhurst Park before Arsenal
signed him in August, struck in the 39th minute when Gabriel Magalhaes headed Declan Rice’s free kick into his path. The midfielder leapt to steer a first-time finish past Dean Henderson.
The 27-year-old midfielder, who was a key part of Palace’s victorious FA Cup run last season, did not celebrate the goal.
The victory extended Arsenal’s unbeaten run to six league matches and 10 games in all competitions and opened up a four-point cushion over second-placed Bournemouth with 22 points after nine games.
Mikel Arteta’s team also opened up a six-point lead over rivals Manchester City, who are fourth after their 1-0 loss on Sunday at Aston Villa.
The first half had few attempts for either team, with Leandro Trossard’s shot saved by Dean Henderson.
The second half at the Emirates Stadium had a far different feel as the gunners pressed for a second goal, with a flurry of chances including a chance at an easy tap-in for Bukayo Saka that Palace defender Marc Guehi scrambled to boot clear.
A frenzied series of Arsenal shots had Gabriel’s header cannon off the bar and Rice and Saka both go close.
“We’re really pleased with the win and another clean sheet. We need to keep going,” Trossard told Sky Sports. “Lately it has been like that, we have to keep patience throughout the game because we know we can score anytime. It would have been nice if we had put the game to bed.”
David Raya earned an impressive ninth clean sheet in 12 Premier League and Champions League games this season, while Arsenal have scored a league-high 11 goals from dead-ball situations.
From the onset, Arsenal controlled possession and dictated the tempo, with their attacking trio constantly threatening the Palace defense. A well-taken goal in the first half set the tone, as Arsenal’s midfield orchestrated play with confidence and composure. Crystal Palace, despite flashes of counterattacking intent, struggled to contain Arsenal’s fluid movement and high pressing.
In the second half, Arsenal doubled their advantage through a clinical finish, effectively sealing the result. The defense stood firm to preserve a clean sheet, reflecting the team’s growing maturity and balance. With this victory, Arsenal not only extended their unbeaten streak but also sent a clear message to their title rivals — they remain a formidable force determined to challenge for the Premier League crown.
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