EPL: Eze scores as Arsenal beat Crystal Palace to extend lead
Eberechi Eze came back to haunt his former club, scoring the decisive goal as Arsenal edged Crystal Palace 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium to move four points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
Signed from Palace in the summer for £67 million, Eze struck late in the first half with a brilliant finish from a trademark Arsenal set-piece, sealing the Gunners’ seventh win in nine league games and strengthening their title charge.
The England midfielder had managed just one goal in his previous 10 appearances. Still, his moment of quality ensured Mikel Arteta’s side took full advantage of Liverpool and Manchester City’s latest defeats.
The result leaves Arsenal four points ahead of second-placed Bournemouth, six clear of City, and seven ahead of Liverpool, who suffered a 3-2 loss at Brentford on Saturday.
Chasing a first Premier League crown since 2004, the Gunners have now won seven straight matches in all competitions and boast an impressive defensive record, conceding only three goals in 13 games while keeping 10 clean sheets.
Eze’s winner came after Declan Rice delivered a teasing free-kick into the box, flicked on by Gabriel, with Eze acrobatically firing home to cap a dominant first-half display.
Palace, who lost to AEK Larnaca in Europe midweek, posed early threats through Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaila Sarr, but Arsenal’s defence, marshalled by William Saliba before his injury exit, held firm.
The hosts came close to adding a second after the break as Gabriel hit the bar and Bukayo Saka saw his curling effort fly inches wide.
Despite late injuries to Rice and Saliba, Arsenal held on for another clean sheet and stretched their unbeaten run to 10 matches in all competitions, a statement victory that strengthens their grip on the Premier League summit.
