By SCM Sports Writer I Sunday, Oct.26, 2025
LONDON – EBERECHI EZE returned to haunt his old mates last night, smashing home an acrobatic volley to ensure Arsenal’s title charge marches on with a gritty 1-0 win over a stubborn Crystal Palace.
Mikel Arteta’s men were far from their flamboyant best at the Emirates but found the crucial moment of magic just before half-time, thanks to the former Eagles star.
The scoreline was tight, but the three points were massive, sending the Gunners four points clear at the Premier League summit.
AGONY FOR EAGLES
Palace boss Oliver Glasner will be fuming after his side managed to frustrate the league leaders for much of the night, only to be undone by a set-piece and a moment of brilliance from one of their own.
The breakthrough came in the 39th minute. After Declan Rice whipped in a wicked free-kick, Gabriel Magalhães won the initial header.
The ball bounced back out to the edge of the six-yard box where Eze was waiting.
With his back to goal, the midfielder executed a magnificent bicycle-kick-style volley that Dean Henderson had absolutely no chance of stopping. Eze offered a muted, respectful wave towards the travelling fans, but the strike was pure venom.
The goalscorer’s class was undeniable, but the strike was a dagger to the heart of the travelling support who watched their team fight tooth and nail.
Arsenal struggled to kill the game off in the second half, with Gabriel thumping a header against the bar and Bukayo Saka curling an effort inches wide. But when they couldn’t score a second, the backline stepped up.
The colossal centre-back Gabriel was an absolute rock, shutting down the threat of Jean-Philippe Mateta all night long.
As Palace pushed desperately in the final 10 minutes, the Gunners stood firm, banking another priceless clean sheet.
Gaffer Arteta summed up the gritty victory: “We had to fight for every inch. This team knows how to win ugly, and sometimes, that is the most beautiful thing of all.”
The result leaves the Eagles stuck in mid-table after a tough run of fixtures, while Arsenal look like serious title contenders who just won’t stop grinding.
