Oliver Glasner
Image credit: Getty Images
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner singled out Declan Rice for praise after his team’s hard-fought 1–0 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday, applauding the midfielder’s defensive intelligence and tireless contribution in nullifying Ismaila Sarr.
A first-half thunderbolt from Eberechi Eze against his former club proved enough for Arsenal to extend their winning streak to seven matches in all competitions and strengthen their grip on top spot in the Premier League.
Although Gabriel Magalhaes and Bukayo Saka came close to adding a second after the break, Mikel Arteta’s men had to settle for a slender victory that pushed them four points clear at the top after a weekend in which Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea all suffered surprise defeats.
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Speaking after the match, Glasner admitted his side struggled to break through Arsenal’s well-drilled defensive lines but gave full credit to the Gunners’ relentless pressing and quick recovery play.
“I haven’t seen many teams creating a lot of chances here,” Glasner told reporters. “We had a few moments where we could have been more dangerous and we missed a few opportunities to create more chances because it took us too long. On the other side, it was a credit to Arsenal, how quickly they recovered.”
The Austrian coach reserved particular admiration for Rice’s performance, noting how the England international repeatedly disrupted Palace’s attempts to build momentum.
Declan Rice
Declan Rice against Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton (Image credit: Getty Images)
“We saw just in the second half that there were two or three times we found Ismaila Sarr in the pocket and then Declan Rice recovered and stole the ball, instead of making an overload, because he made pressure. It just took us too long and that’s why we couldn’t create more.”
Glasner conceded that Palace’s downfall came from two costly lapses leading to Eze’s decisive strike late in the first half.
“We didn’t give them a lot but a little bit too much,” he admitted. “In one situation [the goal] we made two mistakes and we got punished. That’s why we lost in the end. Two mistakes in one situation is too much when you play here at the Emirates against Arsenal, who are in fantastic shape.”
The Palace boss also reflected on how Rice has elevated Arsenal’s overall level since joining from West Ham, calling his transfer an example of the Gunners’ smart long-term strategy.
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“They were second in the league three times in a row, investing £300million, having fantastic players, having a great manager, having a clear structure,” Glasner explained. “You can see they play on the top level of the world and this is what they are showing: consistency, always analysing what kind of players to add to the squad to make the next level.”
He continued by emphasising that Rice’s signing reflects years of calculated planning by Arsenal’s hierarchy.
“They saw Declan Rice two or three years ago and they bought him for £120m from West Ham… always exactly knowing what kind of players they need to make the next step and then integrating them into their structure. Defensively, they are compact and always relying on their structure on set-pieces, having a fantastic balance in the game. Doing many things right over the years, then you are challenging for the Premier League title.”
Eberechi Eze
Eberechi Eze scored for Arsenal against his former club Crystal Palace (Image credit: Getty Images)
However, when asked about Eze’s performance against his former club, Glasner’s tone shifted. The Palace boss refused to discuss his ex-player, though his frustration was clear.
“I don’t talk about players from other teams,” he said curtly. “Yes, he scored the game-winner like he did for us in the FA Cup final. At that time I was pleased. Today it’s the opposite. What’s the opposite of being pleased? I’m sad.”
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