Arsenal’s impressive run in the Premier League continued with a gritty victory over Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium — a match that tested Mikel Arteta’s side both physically and mentally. Despite an initially slow start, the Gunners once again found a way to prevail, thanks to disciplined defending, precise set-piece execution, and the standout performances of key players like Gabriel Magalhães and Eberechi Eze.
It was a game that demanded patience. Arsenal, known for their explosive attacking football, found themselves locked in a tactical battle against a stubborn Palace side who refused to be overwhelmed. It took over half an hour for the home side to fashion a meaningful chance, but once the breakthrough came, it had all the hallmarks of a Mikel Arteta-coached team: precision, perseverance, and composure.
And fittingly, the decisive moment came from one of their own — Eberechi Eze — scoring a stunning volley against the club that nurtured his rise. It was poetic, dramatic, and utterly decisive.
First-Half Battle: Arsenal’s Frustration Turns to Elation
The opening 30 minutes painted a familiar picture for Arsenal — domination without conversion. The Gunners controlled possession, with Martin Zubimendi anchoring the midfield and Declan Rice orchestrating play from deep. But the final pass was missing, and Palace’s compact structure left little room for movement between the lines.
It wasn’t until the 33rd minute that Arsenal began to show signs of life. A series of quick interchanges between Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori down the left-hand side forced a corner, and the home crowd came alive. Moments later, from a cleverly recycled free-kick, Rice’s delivery found its way to the edge of the box. Palace failed to clear effectively, and there was Eberechi Eze — timing his run to perfection — smashing home a spectacular volley past the helpless Dean Henderson.
For Eze, it was more than just a goal. It was a statement against his former club, a reminder of the class and composure that persuaded Arsenal to bring him to North London. His celebration was muted — a nod of respect — but the Emirates roared. Arsenal were in front.
Gabriel Magalhães: Commanding, Composed, and Uncompromising
If Arsenal’s forward line provided the spark, their defensive unit ensured the victory. Gabriel Magalhães, in particular, was immense. The Brazilian centre-back embodied everything Arteta demands from his defenders: aggression, anticipation, and leadership.
Twice in the first half, Gabriel produced vital interceptions, including one exceptional sliding challenge to deny Ismaïla Sarr after a Palace counterattack. His timing was impeccable, his positioning faultless. Every aerial duel seemed to fall in his favor, and his distribution from the back was measured and intelligent.
Early in the second half, Gabriel almost doubled Arsenal’s lead. Rising above everyone, he met Rice’s curling free-kick with a thunderous header that rattled the crossbar. The Emirates held its breath, but luck wasn’t on his side. Still, his presence from set-pieces remains one of Arsenal’s most potent weapons — and Palace simply couldn’t contain him.
Declan Rice: The Engine in Midfield
Declan Rice once again proved his worth as Arsenal’s midfield heartbeat. His delivery for the opener set the tone for the afternoon, and his influence extended far beyond the assist. Constantly scanning, directing traffic, and covering spaces left by attacking full-backs, Rice ensured the Gunners retained control even when Palace threatened to break.
Midway through the second half, he tested Henderson with a venomous volley that the Palace keeper did well to parry. Unfortunately, his afternoon ended prematurely after picking up a knock to his right leg — a worrying sight for Arsenal fans. Arteta later confirmed the midfielder’s substitution was precautionary, though his absence was felt immediately after his exit.
Eberechi Eze: The Former Eagle Who Soared High
Football can be cruel — and poetic. Eberechi Eze’s first goal against his former club was both. The midfielder’s connection to Palace runs deep, but his professionalism was evident. His volley, hit with both precision and venom, left no chance for Henderson and reminded everyone of the quality Arsenal added to their ranks over the summer.
Eze didn’t over-celebrate. He simply stood, arms outstretched, soaking in the moment. For Arsenal supporters, he’s fast becoming a symbol of composure under pressure — a player capable of deciding games with a single flash of brilliance.
His overall contribution went beyond the goal. Constantly pressing, drifting into half-spaces, and linking play with Trossard and Saka, Eze’s performance epitomized the balance between creativity and discipline that Arteta demands.
Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard: Effort and Energy in Attack
Saka, who had missed training sessions earlier in the week, looked sharp but cautious. His trademark acceleration was there, but Arteta’s decision to replace him early in the second half appeared to be a move to protect his fitness rather than a reflection of his performance. Still, the winger came close to scoring with a curling effort just outside the box that narrowly missed the top corner.
Trossard, meanwhile, was industrious and technically assured. The Belgian registered Arsenal’s first shot on target and remained one of the team’s most proactive players in tight spaces. His movement between the lines opened pockets for Gyökeres to exploit — even if the Swedish striker’s service remained limited.
Viktor Gyökeres: Frustrated but Functional
It wasn’t a glamorous afternoon for Arsenal’s summer signing. Viktor Gyökeres found himself isolated for large stretches of the game as Palace sat deep. Yet his link-up play and hold-up ability represented progress from previous performances.
He may not have had the scoring chances he craved, but he created space for others and worked tirelessly off the ball — something Arteta has repeatedly highlighted as crucial for his system.
Defensive Depth and Tactical Discipline
Arteta’s substitutions in the second half once again demonstrated his growing tactical maturity. When the match tightened in the final 15 minutes, he introduced Myles Lewis-Skelly and Piero Hincapié — the latter making his Premier League debut — to shore up the defense. Alongside the earlier introduction of Cristhian Mosquera for Saliba, Arsenal ended the match with a makeshift back five that successfully saw out the result.
Riccardo Calafiori deserves special mention. His flair and composure on the left flank were vital in helping Arsenal maintain control during transitions. The Italian’s technical ability shone as he danced past opponents and played crucial passes into midfield, ensuring momentum never fully swung Palace’s way.
Substitutes’ Contributions
Cristhian Mosquera – Came on at halftime to replace Saliba and had mixed moments. Beaten for pace once by Eddie Nketiah but grew into the game. Rating: 5/10
Gabriel Martinelli – Replaced Saka and immediately made an impact with his pace down the right, forcing Palace’s defense deeper. His end product could have been sharper, but the energy was there. Rating: 6/10
Piero Hincapié – Made his long-awaited Premier League debut, looking composed in the closing stages. A promising glimpse of what’s to come. n/a
Mikel Merino – Replaced the injured Rice late in the match, adding calmness and control in midfield. n/a
Myles Lewis-Skelly – Brought on to help secure the result. Slotted seamlessly into the defensive line. n/a
Final Whistle: A Professional, Hard-Earned Victory
When the referee’s whistle blew, the Emirates erupted — not in wild celebration, but in appreciation. This wasn’t a dazzling 4–0 display or a showcase of attacking brilliance. It was a demonstration of maturity, structure, and winning mentality — the kind of game champions win.
Arsenal’s ability to grind out results, even when not at their flowing best, continues to separate them from the chasing pack. Arteta’s men remain disciplined, versatile, and united — and with results like this, their ambitions for the Premier League crown look increasingly justified.
Player Ratings Recap
- David Raya: 6/10
- Jurrien Timber: 8/10
- William Saliba: 6/10
- Gabriel Magalhães: 8/10
- Riccardo Calafiori: 7/10
- Martin Zubimendi: 6/10
- Declan Rice: 7/10
- Eberechi Eze: 7/10
- Bukayo Saka: 6/10
- Viktor Gyökeres: 6/10
- Leandro Trossard: 7/10
- Substitutes: Mosquera (5), Martinelli (6), Hincapié, Merino, Lewis-Skelly (n/a)
Verdict: Arsenal may not have dazzled, but they displayed every quality needed for a team with title ambitions — resilience, control, and a touch of magic when it mattered most.
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