It was another victory, another 1-0 win and another solid defensive display as Arsenal overcame a stubborn Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League.
Eberechi Eze scored the solitary goal in North London; it had to be him as his composed half-volley from outside the box found the bottom corner against his former team.
The Gunners sit four points clear at the top of the table after Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea all lost. If Mikel Arteta’s side are to win the league, this has to be the season.
It was an average performance from most of the Arsenal side, but who were the standouts from the Emirates?
David Raya – 7
The Spaniard was once again quiet, but did his job well, facing a shot on target for the first time in over 250 minutes.
Claimed a lot of hopeful Palace crosses to nullify the visitors.
Jurrien Timber – 7
Timber was once again solid, showing some beautiful skill at times, too.
The usual link-up with Bukayo Saka was lacking, though.
William Saliba – 6
Left the pitch prior to the second half, which may be concerning for Arsenal fans. A physical tussle with Jean-Phillipe Mateta could be the reason, with the French striker a real handful.
Gabriel Magalhães – 7
(Credit: Stuart MacFarlane/ GettyImages).
As always, Gabriel was a huge threat from set-pieces, forcing the knockdown towards Eze for the goal and going close to finding the net himself, denied by the crossbar.
Riccardo Calafiori – 7
Did well against Yeremy Pino, continuing his solid start to the season.
Eberechi Eze – 7
Made a slow start to the game, giving the ball away on several occasions, but after his goal, he grew into the game and made some great passes.
Martin Zubimendi – 6
Sloppy on the ball at times, but luckily, the Gunners were not punished. Like Eze, he grew into the game as it unfolded.
Declan Rice – 8
Rice is arguably the best set-piece taker in the division. The delivery for the free-kick, which led to the goal, was sublime and allowed Gabriel to leap above his man before Eze converted.
The midfielder was also brilliant in possession as per usual.
Bukayo Saka – 5
Perhaps this was Saka’s worst performance of the season. With few attacking options at the moment, the winger is having to play most games.
Did not look his usual best with a few sloppy touches. Maybe Saka needs a rest against Brighton in midweek.
Viktor Gyökeres – 6
The Swedish striker barely had a touch and was marshalled well by the Palace defence.
Made a few good runs and held up the ball well on occasion.
Leandro Trossard – 8
(Credit: Clive Mason/ GettyImages).
Trossard put in a quality display at the Emirates. Did well to prevent Daniel Munoz from being his usual attacking best while also being Arsenal’s best attacking outlet.
Substitutes:
Cristhian Mosquera – 7
It is not much of a drop off when Saliba is replaced by Mosquera, and that was evident again against Palace.
Defended well in the dying embers to help the Gunners across the line.
Gabriel Martinelli – 6
Added some pace to the front line when Saka departed the field. Did well defensively.
Piero Hincapie – 7
Made his full Premier League debut and did not look out of place.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – N/A
Mikel Merino – N/A