Eberechi Eze scored the winner against his former club as Arsenal beat Crystal Palace 1-0 on Sunday to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table.
Playing against the Eagles for the first time since his £67.5million summer transfer, the England international found the back of the net with a beautiful half-volley in a tense encounter at the Emirates.
It was the south London side that started the better, Jean-Philippe Mateta proving to be a handful as Oliver Glasner’s side played with their trademark energetic counter-attacking.
Ismaila Sarr and Daniel Munoz on the right side both tested David Raya , while the Gunners struggled to break down a stubborn defence and when they did, Leandro Trossard’s effort was comfortably saved by Dean Henderson.
As has so often been the case, it was a set-piece that found the back of the net for Arsenal, as Declan Rice’s free-kick was headed into the path of Eze to score his first Premier League goal for the club.
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That give the home side some much needed confidence going into half-time and though William Saliba was forced to come off at the break, that didn’t deter them.
Gabriel Magalhaes struck the crossbar, with Henderson beating away Rice’s rebound, before the Brazilian came close again from a corner but his header was just wide.
Palace grew back into the game but chances were at a minimum thanks to resolute defending and smart goalkeeping from Raya, with Mikel Arteta happy to see out the narrow win.
Saturday’s surprise defeats for Liverpool and Chelsea were a welcome boost for Arsenal, as was Manchester City’s surprise 1-0 loss at Aston Villa.
Metro’s LIVE matchday blog will bring you all the build-up, confirmed team news and starting XIs, goal updates and minute-by-minute coverage.
