Eberechi Eze’s solitary strike against his former club Crystal Palace proved decisive on Sunday, as Arsenal secured a hard-fought 1–0 win at the Emirates to move four points clear at the top of the Premier League.
The goal, his first in Arsenal colours, came with poetic irony delivered against the very club that shaped much of his early career.
For the 27-year-old, it was a moment of mixed emotions. Once adored at Selhurst Park, Eze chose not to celebrate his 42nd-minute winner, raising his hands in quiet respect to the Palace supporters.
Yet, for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, it was a moment of relief and reward, coming after a laboured first half where his side struggled to unlock the visitors’ organised defence.
Palace had frustrated Arsenal for long spells with a compact 5-4-1 formation that absorbed pressure and limited spaces for Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard.
But when Declan Rice’s curling free-kick dropped into the box, Eze’s first-time effort, both feet off the ground — flew into the top corner, sending the Emirates into rapture and the Gunners closer to their first league title in two decades.
The second half saw Arsenal push for a cushion, with Gabriel Magalhães rattling the crossbar and Rice denied by goalkeeper Dean Henderson, but Eze’s goal ultimately stood firm. Palace, managed by Oliver Glasner, offered flashes of resistance but rarely threatened David Raya’s goal as Arsenal tightened their grip on proceedings.
