Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are turning winning into a habit — and not just any kind of winning. Their latest triumph, a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium, showcased the very essence of a team that knows how to grind out results even when not at its scintillating best. Once again, the Gunners found salvation through a familiar weapon: a perfectly executed set piece.
In what has become almost routine for Arteta’s men, Declan Rice’s pinpoint delivery led to the only goal of the game, as Eberechi Eze, facing his former club, volleyed home to seal all three points. The goal not only continued Arsenal’s unbeaten home run but also capped off a perfect Premier League weekend for the North London side.
With both Liverpool and Manchester City suffering defeats, Arsenal took full advantage, stretching their lead at the top of the table to four points. It was yet another example of how this version of Arsenal, forged by Arteta’s tactical precision and relentless mentality, continues to find answers in every scenario the league throws at them.
Arsenal’s Familiar Formula: Set-Piece Precision
Once again, it was Arsenal’s lethal set-piece prowess that unlocked the door. A well-rehearsed training-ground routine turned into the decisive moment of the afternoon.
In the 37th minute, Declan Rice swung in a trademark delivery that caused chaos in the Palace box. The initial clearance fell invitingly to Eberechi Eze, who made no mistake, rifling home a fierce volley past Dean Henderson.
For the 27-year-old, it was more than just another goal — it was a poignant strike against the team that gave him his Premier League debut. Eze’s restrained celebration spoke volumes, a gesture of gratitude to the club that shaped him while also signaling his allegiance to Arsenal’s upward journey.
Arsenal’s eighth set-piece goal of the season is no coincidence. Since the arrival of Nicolas Jover, their set-piece coach, the Gunners have transformed dead-ball situations into one of their most effective attacking weapons. From corners to free kicks, Arsenal now carry a sense of inevitability every time the ball is placed near the opposition box.
As one rival fan quipped online, “When Arsenal get a corner, you just know something’s coming.”
Arteta’s Tactical Discipline: Adapt and Overcome
While the headlines will focus on the set-piece brilliance, Arteta’s in-game management once again proved pivotal. The Spaniard’s flexibility and attention to detail allowed Arsenal to control key phases of the match, particularly in the closing stages.
As Crystal Palace pressed for an equalizer late on, Oliver Glasner rolled the dice with a triple substitution, introducing fresh legs and extra attackers in search of a late breakthrough. Arteta responded with a tactical switch of his own — moving from his customary back four into a compact back five.
The introduction of Myles Lewis-Skelly and Piero Hincapié, alongside Cristhian Mosquera, gave Arsenal greater defensive stability. The young trio helped the Gunners absorb late pressure with maturity well beyond their years.
Arteta later praised his team’s adaptability:
“This is what top teams do — they find a way. It doesn’t always have to be perfect football. Sometimes you have to suffer, stay compact, and see the game through. I’m proud of the boys for showing that resilience again.”
This versatility is what makes Arsenal so dangerous in 2025. They can dazzle with intricate attacking football one week and then dig deep the next, using tactical pragmatism to suffocate opponents and secure the points.
Viktor Gyökeres and the Subtle Signs of Progress
While striker Viktor Gyökeres had one of his quieter outings, touching the ball sparingly in attacking areas, his performance should not be misjudged. The Swedish forward’s hold-up play, strength in duels, and ability to link with midfielders have continued to improve steadily.
Gyökeres’ presence occupied Palace’s defenders, creating space for Arsenal’s wide players and midfield runners. Arteta has often emphasized that goals are only part of his job; the forward’s tactical discipline and pressing intensity remain invaluable to the system.
“He’s learning how to be patient, how to wait for his moment,” said one Arsenal coach post-match. “Even when he’s not scoring, he’s affecting the game in the right ways.”
The Arsenal manager’s faith in Gyökeres remains unwavering, and with every performance, the striker is proving he can thrive in a side that prioritizes structure over chaos.
Zubimendi’s Off Day Highlights Arsenal’s High Standards
Martin Zubimendi, one of Arsenal’s summer signings, had perhaps his most subdued display since joining from Real Sociedad. A rare misplaced pass in the 23rd minute almost led to a Palace counterattack, but the Spaniard quickly regained his composure, quietly growing into the match as it progressed.
Such moments highlight just how high Arsenal’s internal expectations have become. Even an average performance from Zubimendi — who still completed over 90% of his passes — is viewed through the lens of excellence. His presence has given Arsenal’s midfield a new dimension, offering calm control and defensive balance that allows players like Declan Rice and Eberechi Eze to push higher up the pitch.
Arteta brushed off any criticism, noting that “Zubi gives us control, intelligence, and patience. Not every game will be flashy, but his value is immense.”
Rice’s Influence: Arsenal’s Engine and Set-Piece Architect
Declan Rice continues to be Arsenal’s heartbeat. From orchestrating midfield transitions to delivering pinpoint set-pieces, the England international has become the complete midfielder Arteta envisioned when he sanctioned the record-breaking £105 million move from West Ham.
Against Palace, Rice’s vision and technique once again made the difference. His free-kick assist for Eze’s goal was inch-perfect — a product of hours of meticulous training at London Colney.
Off the ball, Rice’s leadership was even more apparent. Constantly barking instructions, covering space, and leading the press, he embodied the tactical discipline that defines this Arsenal side.
Arteta, asked about Rice’s growing influence, smiled:
“Declan has become the standard. He sets the tone in every game — not just with his quality, but his mentality.”
A Weekend of Opportunity Seized
The timing of Arsenal’s win could not have been better. With both Liverpool and Manchester City slipping up, the Gunners capitalized in ruthless fashion.
Liverpool fell 2–1 to Brentford in a scrappy contest, while Manchester City were stunned by Aston Villa at Villa Park. As a result, Arsenal finished the weekend four points clear at the top — a cushion that could prove vital in the months to come.
Yet Arteta was quick to dismiss any talk of title advantage when asked if his players knew their rivals’ results during the game.
“No, I wasn’t aware,” he said. “I found out only after the final whistle. The players don’t have their phones at halftime, so they were focused only on the task at hand.”
His words echoed a familiar Arteta theme: focus on the process, not the noise.
Turning the Tables: Ten-Point Improvement Over Last Season
One of the most telling statistics from Arsenal’s recent run is how they’ve exorcised the ghosts of last season. The Gunners have now won four straight league matches — against Newcastle United, West Ham, Fulham, and Crystal Palace — all of whom took points off them last term.
That’s a net gain of ten points from those corresponding fixtures, a sign not only of improvement but of maturity. Arsenal are no longer the flashy but fragile side of 2023; they’re now a hardened unit capable of sustaining form across difficult stretches.
As pundit Jamie Carragher noted on Sky Sports, “You can see it — Arsenal don’t panic anymore. They’ve learned how to win ugly. That’s what separates title contenders from champions.”
Finding the Balance Between Patience and Ambition
While Arsenal’s rise has been impressive, Arteta remains grounded. The Spaniard understands that a Premier League campaign is a marathon, not a sprint.
“It’s still early,” he cautioned post-match. “There’s a lot of football to be played, and we must keep improving. The team is evolving, but every game brings new challenges.”
Indeed, Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures will test both their depth and resolve. Following a League Cup clash with Brighton, they face three tricky away games in just eight days — a demanding stretch that could shape the title race heading into the next international break.
A Team That Knows How to Win
Ultimately, this victory over Crystal Palace was about one thing: finding a way.
Arsenal didn’t dominate possession as they often do. They didn’t create a flood of chances. But they showed resilience, structure, and composure — all hallmarks of a side maturing into true title contenders.
From the orchestrated set-piece routines to the late-game defensive solidity, everything about Arsenal’s performance reflected the precision and preparation that have become synonymous with Arteta’s era.
And for the Arsenal faithful, that’s what matters most — a team that doesn’t just play beautiful football, but knows how to win.
Final Thoughts
Arsenal’s 1–0 victory over Crystal Palace may not go down as a classic, but in the context of the Premier League title race, it could prove priceless.
For Arteta, it was another demonstration that his side can triumph in multiple ways — through dominance, through grit, or, as in this case, through set-piece excellence.
As the manager himself put it best:
“There will be days when the football is perfect and days when it’s not. What matters is that we keep believing, keep fighting, and keep winning.”
With momentum firmly on their side and confidence flowing through every department, Arsenal’s pursuit of Premier League glory remains alive and well — and if they keep this up, 2025 may just be the year the Gunners finally bring the title back to North London.
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