Eberechi Eze opened his Premier League account for Arsenal, scoring the only goal in their 1–0 triumph over Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Gatekeepers News reports that the midfielder’s first-half strike, born from a well-executed set piece, helped the league leaders capitalise on recent slip-ups by title rivals Liverpool and Manchester City.
Eze, who joined Arsenal from Palace in August for £60 million, had previously scored just once in ten appearances across all competitions.
His goal against his former side proved decisive, further fueling Arsenal’s hopes of ending their long title drought after finishing runners-up three years in a row.
Mikel Arteta’s team now sits four points clear of second-placed Bournemouth, with a six-point cushion over Manchester City and seven ahead of Liverpool, whose latest 3–2 defeat to Brentford has deepened their struggles.
Arsenal’s defensive solidity has been a hallmark this season, conceding only three goals in 13 matches across all competitions with ten clean sheets recorded. However, the evening brought some concern for Arteta, as Declan Rice and William Saliba both limped off with potential injuries.
Crystal Palace started brightly, nearly taking an early lead through Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaila Sarr, but Arsenal soon asserted control.
Their breakthrough came in the 39th minute when Rice delivered a curling free-kick into the box. Gabriel Magalhaes’ header fell to Eze, who volleyed past Dean Henderson with composure and precision.
After the interval, Cristhian Mosquera replaced the injured Saliba, and Arsenal almost doubled their advantage when Gabriel’s header rattled the crossbar before Rice’s rebound was saved. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel both came close again as Arsenal pressed for a second.
Eze was eventually substituted late in the match to a standing ovation, applause shared by both Arsenal and Palace supporters.
