Eze haunts former club as Arsenal dig deep for win

Arsenal had to dig deep to secure a hard-fought 1-0 win over Crystal Palace that moved them four points clear at the top of the Premier League.

It was fitting that Eberechi Eze delivered the decisive moment against his former club, scoring his first league goal for Arsenal since joining in a £67 million summer move.

The midfielder struck midway through the first half, finishing acrobatically after Declan Rice’s free-kick was knocked down by Gabriel Magalhaes.

It was another reminder of Arsenal’s growing threat from set-pieces, now a key part of their title push under Mikel Arteta. Arsenal did not start like league leaders, struggling for rhythm against a disciplined Palace side who pressed well and defended in numbers.

Jean-Philippe Mateta caused early problems for the hosts, but Arsenal’s defence — marshalled by Gabriel and William Saliba — kept them at bay.

Eze’s goal changed the mood inside the Emirates. The Gunners began to take control after the break, with Gabriel crashing a header off the bar and Bukayo Saka curling just wide from the edge of the area.

Palace, who were coming off a midweek European defeat, began to tire as Arsenal dominated possession and pushed for a second. However, the visitors stayed organised and forced Arteta’s men to battle for every inch until the final whistle.

It was not as fluent or ruthless as Arsenal’s recent wins, but it was the kind of grinding display that defines champions. Even with the likes of Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard still injured, they found a way to get the job done.

The victory extended Arsenal’s unbeaten run to ten matches in all competitions and increased their set-piece tally to 11 goals this season — more than any other Premier League side.

For Palace, it was a spirited effort that ultimately fell short. Their organisation and energy frustrated Arsenal for long spells, but fatigue showed late on, leaving Oliver Glasner to ponder how to manage the demands of European and domestic football.

It was not the prettiest win of Arsenal’s season, but it might prove one of their most important. Against stubborn opposition, they dug deep, showed resilience, and were rewarded — thanks to the man who once called Selhurst Park home.

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