Arsenal moved four points clear at the top of the Premier League as Eberechi Eze returned to haunt his former club, scoring the only goal of the game
15:55, 26 Oct 2025Updated 15:59, 26 Oct 2025
Mikel Arteta
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Mikel Arteta's side have taken strong hold of the Premier League title race(Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal moved four points clear at the top of the Premier League as Eberechi Eze scored the only goal of the game in the 1-0 win over Crystal Palace.
Mikel Arteta’s side returned to the Emirates after sticking four goals past Atletico Madrid without reply in a comprehensive Champions League victory in midweek, but they were unable to pick up from where they left off early on.
It took until the 32nd minute for the Gunners to register a shot, when Leandro Trossard tested Dean Henderson low at his near post, but with only their second attempt of the game, Eze put the hosts ahead in front against his former club.
A largely uneventful first-half, finally had some life about it when Eze fired home a brilliant right-footed volley. Watching as the ball arrived towards him from another Gunners set piece, he caught the ball perfectly under pressure on the edge of the box.
Eze’s goal was his first Premier League strike since his £60million summer switch from Selhurst Park, and duly vindicated his start in the No.10 position in the absence of Martin Odegaard.
Eberechi Eze celebrates
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Eberechi Eze scored his first Premier League goal for Arsenal(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Since the 1-1 draw against Manchester City in September, where Arteta’s side lacked any attacking threat from midfield until Eze was introduced at half-time for Mikel Merino, the England international has started the following games from that central role.
Despite him not scoring or assisting in the three league outings since, Arteta kept faith and his selection proved to be the difference in the first-half despite not enjoying the most productive football of his career until that point.
Arsenal were also far from their best as former Palace winger Jobi McAnuff insisted on BBC Radio 5 Live that the hosts were fortunate to be in front. “It is amazing how these things go for you because for me, Arsenal have been second best,” he said.
“Palace will feel they should be going in at least at 0-0. But with the form Arsenal are in, these are the results you dig out even when you're not playing well.”
Eberechi Eze goal
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Eberechi Eze opened the scoring against his former club(Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal emerged from the break on the front foot and somehow didn’t double their advantage, first Jurrien Timber headed against the crossbar before Declan Rice saw a shot well kept out by Henderson. Bukayo Saka then whipped an effort from distance wide of the far post.
Arteta clearly called on his players to be more front-footed with the Gunners vastly improved from their first-half display.
Gyokeres then passed up another golden chance to make Arsenal's afternoon more comfortable as he headed wide from a corner from point-blank range, and took the ball off the head of Gabriel, who looked certain to score.
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Instead, the Brazilian collided with the post but was able to continue, unlike his centre-back partner William Saliba who was seemingly forced off with an unknown injury at half-time.
It looked as though Arsenal's missed chances would come back to bite them as Palace began to finally venture forward late in the second half. Gabriel was required to deny Jean Philippe Mateta equalising before Arteta suffered another injury blow, seeing Declan Rice have to be withdrawn with a muscular problem for Mikel Merino.
Palace pushed forward with David Raya called to claim numerous late deliveries into the box, but none that troubled his clean sheet.
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Arsenal’s title bid was significantly strengthened on Saturday after Liverpool suffered a fourth consecutive league defeat, this time losing 3-2 to Brentford.
Victory against the Eagles extended Arsenal’s advantage over Liverpool to seven points after just nine games. Manchester City were also beaten 1-0 by Aston Villa.