Arsenal 1-0 Palace: Eze’s Stunning Volley Sinks Former Club.

Arsenal 1-0 Palace: Eze’s Stunning Volley Sinks Former Club.

Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace: Eze’s Stunner Secures Seventh Straight Win as Gunners Soar.

Date: Sunday, October 26, 2025 Venue: Emirates Stadium, London Competition: English Premier League 2025-26 Attendance: 60,191 Referee: Michael Oliver.

                    Arsenal (4-2-3-1): David Raya; Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Oleksandr Zinchenko; Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard (c); Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Leandro Trossard; Viktor Gyökeres. Substitutes: Aaron Ramsdale, Jurrien Timber, Thomas Partey, Ethan Nwaneri, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Jakub Kiwior, Raheem Sterling. Manager: Mikel Arteta.

            Crystal Palace (3-4-3): Dean Henderson; Chris Richards, Joachim Andersen, Maxence Lacroix; Daniel Muñoz, Adam Wharton, Jefferson Lerma, Tyrick Mitchell; Eberechi Eze (loaned out), Jean-Philippe Mateta, Ismaila Sarr. Substitutes: Sam Johnstone, Nathaniel Clyne, Cheick Doucouré, Daichi Kamada, Eddie Nketiah, Rob Holding, Joel Ward, Jeffrey Schlupp, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi. Manager: Oliver Glasner

Goals: Arsenal: Eberechi Eze (39’) Crystal Palace: None

Bookings: Arsenal: Oleksandr Zinchenko (45’), Declan Rice (72’) Crystal Palace: Jefferson Lerma (28’), Daniel Muñoz (65’)

Man of the Match: Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)

Match Report

Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to four points with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium, thanks to a moment of magic from Eberechi Eze. The former Palace star, who clinched the FA Cup for the Eagles in May 2025, returned to haunt his old club with a breathtaking scissor-kick volley in the 39th minute. The goal not only secured Arsenal’s seventh consecutive win across all competitions but also underscored their title credentials in the 2025-26 season. With a rock-solid defense recording their 10th clean sheet in 13 matches, Mikel Arteta’s men continue to set the pace in a fiercely competitive Premier League campaign.

The victory was made all the sweeter by Manchester City’s simultaneous 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa, where Matty Cash’s strike ended Erling Haaland’s 12-game scoring streak. Arsenal’s fourth straight league win—all against opponents from whom they took just one point last season—highlighted their remarkable improvement under Arteta. For Palace, a spirited performance could not mask their ongoing struggles, as Oliver Glasner’s side remain winless in their last three matches following a midweek Europa League defeat to AEK Larnaca.

First Half: Eze’s Magic Breaks the Deadlock

The Emirates was buzzing with anticipation as Arsenal, fresh off a 4-0 demolition of Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League, faced a Crystal Palace side licking their wounds after a humbling loss to Cypriot minnows AEK Larnaca. Despite their contrasting European fortunes, Palace started brightly, frustrating Arsenal with a compact 3-4-3 setup that stifled the Gunners’ attacking rhythm.

Oliver Glasner’s game plan was clear: absorb pressure, win possession in midfield, and exploit the pace and power of Jean-Philippe Mateta on the counter. The French striker, in scintillating form, caused problems for Arsenal’s center-back pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, using his physicality to hold up play and bring wingers Ismaila Sarr and Daniel Muñoz into the game. Palace’s high press disrupted Arsenal’s build-up play, and for the first half-hour, the hosts were unusually subdued, failing to register a shot on target.

The Eagles’ best moment came in the 25th minute when Muñoz, the marauding right wing-back, latched onto a through ball from Adam Wharton and unleashed a fierce drive from a tight angle. David Raya, Arsenal’s ever-reliable goalkeeper, beat the effort away, only for the offside flag to spare his blushes. The incident was a wake-up call for Arsenal, who had been uncharacteristically sloppy in possession.

It wasn’t until the 33rd minute that Arsenal mustered their first shot, their longest wait for an attempt in a Premier League match since April 2021. Leandro Trossard, cutting in from the left, linked up with summer signing Viktor Gyökeres, whose clever movement created space. Trossard’s low strike, however, was comfortably saved by Dean Henderson at his near post, much to the frustration of the Emirates faithful.

The game’s defining moment arrived in the 39th minute, and it was a strike worthy of winning any match. Arsenal, who have leaned heavily on set-pieces this season, capitalized on a well-worked corner routine. Declan Rice, growing in influence, delivered a pinpoint curling ball to the back post, where Gabriel rose highest to nod it back across the penalty area. As the ball dropped, Eberechi Eze, unmarked and alert, produced a moment of sheer brilliance. The former Palace star, facing the club where he made his name, executed a spectacular scissor-kick volley that rocketed past Henderson into the top corner. The Emirates erupted, and Eze, now donning Arsenal’s red and white, celebrated with restraint in front of the red-and-blue-clad Palace fans.

The goal transformed the mood, giving Arsenal a 1-0 lead at halftime. Despite their slow start, Arteta’s men had found a way to break through, with Eze’s acrobatic finish providing the spark in an otherwise cagey opening 45 minutes.

Second Half: Arsenal’s Defense Stands Firm

Crystal Palace emerged for the second half with renewed purpose, knowing a positive result could lift their faltering campaign. Glasner introduced Daichi Kamada for Sarr, adding creativity to Palace’s midfield, while Arsenal stuck with their starting XI, trusting their defensive solidity to protect their slender lead.

The Gunners’ backline, marshaled by Saliba and Gabriel, was impenetrable. Saliba, in particular, was immense, reading Mateta’s movements with ease and winning crucial duels. Oleksandr Zinchenko, often criticized for his defensive frailties, was disciplined at left-back, while Ben White nullified Palace’s threat down the right. David Raya, though rarely tested, exuded calmness, organizing his defense with authority.

Arsenal’s midfield, led by the tireless Declan Rice and the ever-creative Martin Ødegaard, began to assert control. Ødegaard’s vision and passing range opened up spaces for Bukayo Saka, who grew into the game after a quiet first half. Saka’s mazy run in the 55th minute nearly doubled Arsenal’s lead, but his curling effort was tipped over by Henderson, who redeemed himself after being beaten by Eze’s earlier strike.

Palace’s best chance to equalize came in the 68th minute when Jefferson Lerma’s long-range effort forced Raya into a smart low save. The rebound fell to Mateta, but Gabriel’s last-ditch block preserved Arsenal’s clean sheet. The Gunners’ defensive resilience was a hallmark of their performance, with their 10th clean sheet in 13 matches underscoring their transformation into a defensively robust unit.

Arteta introduced Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli in the 75th minute, replacing Trossard and Gyökeres to inject fresh energy. Havertz nearly made an immediate impact, heading just wide from a Saka cross, while Martinelli’s pace stretched Palace’s tiring defense. Palace, meanwhile, threw on Eddie Nketiah, another former Arsenal man, but the striker was unable to make an impact against his old club.

As the clock ticked into stoppage time, Arsenal managed the game expertly, with Rice and Ødegaard dictating the tempo to see out the victory. When Michael Oliver blew the final whistle, the Emirates roared in approval, celebrating not just the three points but the manner in which Arsenal had ground out a vital win.

Tactical Analysis and Key Performances

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have evolved into a well-oiled machine, blending attacking flair with defensive steel. Their reliance on set-pieces was evident once again, with Eze’s goal stemming from a meticulously rehearsed corner routine. Rice’s delivery and Gabriel’s aerial prowess set the stage for Eze’s moment of magic, highlighting Arsenal’s ability to capitalize on key moments.

Defensively, Arsenal were imperious. Saliba and Gabriel have formed one of the Premier League’s most formidable center-back partnerships, while Rice’s presence in midfield provides a shield that allows Ødegaard to focus on creating. Eze, playing in the No. 10 role, was the difference-maker, his technical quality and composure shining through in a game of few chances.

For Crystal Palace, Oliver Glasner’s high-pressing 3-4-3 system caused Arsenal problems early on, but their lack of cutting edge was their undoing. Mateta was a handful, but without sufficient support from Sarr and Muñoz, Palace struggled to convert promising moments into clear chances. Adam Wharton showed flashes of quality in midfield, but the absence of a creative spark beyond him left Palace toothless.

Player Ratings

Arsenal:
David Raya (8/10): Made a crucial save to deny Muñoz and commanded his box with authority.

Ben White (7/10): Solid defensively, kept Sarr quiet.
William Saliba (8/10): A colossus at the back, neutralizing Mateta.
Gabriel Magalhães (8/10): Key header set up Eze’s goal, immense defensively.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (7/10): Disciplined at left-back, though booked.
Declan Rice (8/10): Delivered the assist and controlled midfield.
Martin Ødegaard (7/10): Grew into the game, pulling the strings.
Bukayo Saka (7/10): Quiet first half but dangerous after the break.
Eberechi Eze (9/10): Scored a stunning volley, a constant threat.
Leandro Trossard (6/10): Worked hard but lacked end product.
Viktor Gyökeres (7/10): Linked play well, though spurned a chance. Substitutes: Havertz (6/10), Martinelli (6/10).

Crystal Palace:
Dean Henderson (7/10): No chance with Eze’s goal, made key saves.
Chris Richards (6/10): Struggled against Gyökeres’ movement.
Joachim Andersen (7/10): Organized Palace’s defense well.
Maxence Lacroix (6/10): Caught out for Eze’s goal.
Daniel Muñoz (7/10): Dangerous going forward but flagged offside.
Adam Wharton (7/10): Showed promise but lacked support.
Jefferson Lerma (6/10): Battled hard but booked early.
Tyrick Mitchell (6/10): Kept Saka quiet but offered little in attack.
Ismaila Sarr (6/10): Faded after a bright start.
Jean-Philippe Mateta (7/10): Palace’s biggest threat, but well-marshaled.
Eberechi Eze (loaned out, 6/10): Quiet for Palace, overshadowed by Arsenal’s Eze. Substitutes: Kamada (6/10), Nketiah (5/10).

Post-Match Reaction

Mikel Arteta (Arsenal Manager): “This was a tough game, but we found a way to win, and that’s what champions do. Eberechi’s goal was world-class, and our defense was outstanding. We’re in a great position, but there’s a long way to go.”

Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace Manager): “We competed well for large parts, but one moment of quality cost us. Arsenal are a top team, and we couldn’t take our chances. We’ll keep working.”

Eberechi Eze (Arsenal, Man of the Match): “It’s special to score against my former club, but I’m just happy to help the team. The fans were incredible, and we’re building something special here.”
Broader Context: Arsenal’s Title Charge

Arsenal’s victory, coupled with Manchester City’s defeat at Aston Villa, has given the Gunners a four-point lead at the top of the Premier League. Their seventh straight win across all competitions and their fourth consecutive league victory highlight their consistency and resilience. The fact that all four of these league wins came against teams from whom Arsenal took just one point last season speaks to their growth under Arteta.

For Crystal Palace, the defeat extends their winless run to three matches, increasing the pressure on Glasner. Despite a promising start to the season, the Eagles are struggling to convert performances into results, particularly in attack. The return of Eze to haunt them was a bitter pill to swallow, especially given his FA Cup heroics for Palace just months ago.

What’s Next?

Arsenal face a tricky trip to Newcastle United next, where they’ll aim to maintain their momentum. Crystal Palace, meanwhile, host Brighton in a crucial South Coast derby, desperate to end their winless streak. With the Premier League’s relentless schedule, both sides will need to regroup quickly.

Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace was a testament to their title credentials, with Eberechi Eze’s stunning volley proving the difference in a tightly contested match. The Gunners’ defensive solidity, coupled with their ability to produce moments of magic, has them firmly in the driver’s seat in the 2025-26 Premier League race. For Palace, the defeat was another reminder of their struggles in front of goal, but their resilience offers hope for a turnaround. As the Emirates faithful sang Eze’s name, Arsenal’s dream of a first Premier League title since 2004 feels closer than ever.