Eze Fires Arsenal to Victory Over Crystal Palace with First Premier League Goal

Eberechi Eze scored his first Premier League goal for Arsenal as the Gunners continued their impressive run with a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

The 27-year-old midfielder, who joined Arsenal from Palace in a £60 million deal last August, struck late in the first half to give Mikel Arteta’s side another crucial win in their title pursuit.

Eze’s goal, crafted from a well-executed set-piece routine, underlined Arsenal’s growing reputation as masters of dead-ball situations. Declan Rice’s curling free-kick into the box found Gabriel Magalhaes, who nodded the ball into Eze’s path. The midfielder met it sweetly on the bounce, guiding his shot beyond goalkeeper Dean Henderson.

Out of respect for his former club, Eze offered a muted celebration, raising one arm to the sky as the Emirates erupted in applause.

The result strengthened Arsenal’s position at the top of the Premier League table — four points clear of second-placed Bournemouth, six ahead of Manchester City, and seven above Liverpool. It also marked their seventh win in nine league outings this season, fuelling belief that this could be the year they end their two-decade title drought.

Arsenal, who have now recorded ten clean sheets and conceded only three goals in 13 matches across all competitions, once again demonstrated their defensive solidity.

The afternoon, however, was not without concern for Arteta, as Declan Rice and William Saliba both limped off with potential injuries.

Palace started brightly, threatening through Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaila Sarr, but Arsenal soon took control of possession. Leandro Trossard’s first-half strike forced a strong save from Henderson before Eze’s decisive moment arrived in the 39th minute.

After the break, Arsenal came close to doubling their lead when Gabriel’s header hit the crossbar, and Rice’s rebound was again denied by Henderson. Bukayo Saka also went close with a curling effort that drifted just wide.

Despite late pressure, Palace could not find a way past Arsenal’s resolute defence.

Eze, who was substituted late on to a standing ovation from both sets of fans, earned praise for his performance and humility against his former team.

With seven straight wins in all competitions, Arsenal’s momentum shows no signs of slowing. As the Gunners continue their march toward a potential first league title since 2004, their blend of tactical precision, defensive discipline, and set-piece brilliance may prove decisive.