Arsenal moved further away from their rivals in the Premier League with a hard-fought victory over Crystal Palace, with Eberechi Eze scoring the winner against his former club
16:10, 26 Oct 2025Updated 16:13, 26 Oct 2025
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 26: Eberechi Eze of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammates Jurrien Timber, Viktor Gyoekeres and Bukayo Saka during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on October 26, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Eberechi Eze scored Arsenal's winner to beat former club Crystal Palace(Image: Stuart MacFarlane, Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal edged further ahead of their Premier League rivals with a gritty win over Crystal Palace.
It took the Gunners just over half an hour to create their first opportunity, which Eberechi Eze capitalised on minutes later against his old club, smashing a cleared Declan Rice free-kick into the back of the net.
Gabriel Magalhaes rattled the crossbar early in the second half from another set-piece, while Rice narrowly missed with a volley. Here, the Daily Star Sport rates Arsenal's players performance in the 1-0 win.
David Raya – Had little to do in the first half, but made a solid catch from a cross aimed at Eddie Nketiah in the second. 6.
Jurrien Timber – Showed great footwork under pressure to earn a free-kick in the first half. Delivered a superb ball to find Martinelli shortly after the winger came on and put in a tireless defensive shift. 8
William Saliba – Lost out in a sprint with Jean-Philippe Mateta in the first half and was subbed off at half-time for Cristhian Mosquera. 6.
Gabriel Magalhaes – Made some excellent sliding interceptions, notably blocking an Ismaila Sarr shot following a turnover of possession. He seemed to get a touch on the cut-back, but it was ruled to have come off a Palace player.
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 26: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, speaks with Gabriel of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on October 26, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Gabriel starred for Arsenal against Crystal Palace(Image: Stuart MacFarlane, Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
He then hit the bar early in the second half from yet another Rice cross. His brilliant pass found Leandro Trossard, but the tapped effort couldn't find a teammate. 8
Riccardo Calafiori – Showed some stunning skill on the left flank to outwit his opponent, contributing to the build-up with excellent passing. Another solid performance from the consistent player. 7
Martin Zubimendi – A bit careless with the ball in midfield around the 23rd minute, nearly resulting in a significant opportunity for Palace. However, he recovered well and provided a foundation for the Gunners' build-up, as he always does, but it was perhaps not his best display - no criticism intended. 6
Declan Rice – Delivered a superb cross for the first goal, finding Gabriel at the back post. A clever short free-kick routine then allowed him to cross for the Brazilian again, whose header hit the crossbar, before seeing his own volley saved by Henderson. Unfortunately had to be substituted due to a right leg injury. 7
Eberechi Eze – Produced a spectacular volley from the free-kick conceded by his Palace replacement Yeremy Pino. A stunning, unstoppable strike past his former teammate. 7
Bukayo Saka – Nearly scored with a curling shot from outside the box at the start of the second half. Wasn't seen in training all week and was likely substituted early in the second half as a precaution. 6
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Viktor Gyokeres – Didn't receive much service, but his hold-up play is clearly improving. 6
Leandro Trossard – Took the first Arsenal shot of the game, low to Henderson's right, which was well saved. His cross for Gyokeres was blocked, but the Belgian showed some impressive technical skills throughout the match. 7
Substitutes:
Cristhian Mosquera – Stepped in for William Saliba at the interval. Was outpaced by Eddie Nketiah who managed to get his shot off. 5.
Gabriel Martinelli – Took over from Bukayo Saka and was positioned on the right. Almost immediately found an opportunity to cross, which was blocked. 6
Piero Hincapie – Came on for Riccardo Calafiori to make his Premier League debut towards the end. n/a.
Mikel Merino – Subbed in for the injured Declan Rice in the closing stages. n/a.
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Myles Lewis-Skelly – Introduced late into the game to form a back five. n/a.