Eberechi Eze netted his first Premier League goal for Arsenal, helping the league leaders secure a 1-0 victory over his former club Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. The win, courtesy of Arsenal’s set-piece mastery, allowed Mikel Arteta’s side to capitalize on recent setbacks suffered by title rivals Liverpool and Manchester City.
Since his £60 million ($79 million) move from Palace in August, Eze had scored only once in 10 appearances across all competitions. His goal against his former team came late in the first half when Declan Rice delivered a precise free-kick into the box, which Gabriel Magalhaes headed down to Eze. The midfielder met it on the bounce, slotting the ball past Dean Henderson from 12 yards with composed technique. Eze’s celebration was restrained, showing respect to his former club.
Arsenal’s triumph extended their impressive start to the season, marking their seventh win in nine league games. The victory placed them four points ahead of second-placed Bournemouth, six points clear of Manchester City, and seven ahead of Liverpool, strengthening the belief that this could be the season they finally end their long title drought.
The Gunners, who have finished runners-up in each of the last three seasons, have conceded only three goals in 13 games across all competitions, keeping 10 clean sheets in the process. Their dominant set-piece record has earned them the nickname “Set-Piece FC,” as they became the first team in Europe’s top five leagues to score 10 goals from set-pieces this season—extending the tally to 11 with Eze’s strike.
Crystal Palace, with rock star Jon Bon Jovi in attendance, posed early threats. Jean-Philippe Mateta raced clear in the opening stages, while Ismaila Sarr was denied by a last-ditch block from William Saliba. Arsenal’s first real attempt on goal came in the 33rd minute when Leandro Trossard’s low shot was comfortably held by Henderson.
In the second half, Arsenal came close to doubling their lead. Gabriel’s header hit the crossbar and rebounded to Rice, whose follow-up was saved by Henderson. Bukayo Saka curled a shot just wide, and Gabriel later missed a close-range header from the goal line, leaving him needing treatment after colliding with the post.
Arsenal’s defensive resilience and set-piece efficiency were evident throughout, even as Declan Rice limped off late in the game following an earlier injury concern for Saliba. Eze was substituted in the final minutes to a standing ovation, with applause coming even from Palace supporters, celebrating his meaningful contribution to Arsenal’s title charge.
