Eze executes against his former club, Gunners are firmly at the top

On paper, this was an easy fixture, as Crystal Palace is one of Arsenal’s favorites ‘customers’ and the Eagles managed only one win in the last 14 away games at the Emirates. But this Palace team is a tough nut to crack this season as they managed to defeat Liverpool and play excellent for the second season in a row under coach Oliver Glasnier. Mikel Arteta and his team didn’t look at the history charts and prepared for this game as much as they could, considering their hard task – to win the Premier League title at last. And in the end, the defense was marvelous again and in attack, they had a secret weapon –forward Eberechi Eze who scored against his former club – Arsenal – Crystal Palace 1-0. To make this hard-fought win even better, Liverpool already lost yesterday and so did Manchester City today against Aston Villa, which means the Gunners are at the top of the league with four points more than second placed Bournemouth, six more than City and seven than the Reds.

Against a well-organized team like Crystal Palace, Arsenal had little chances in the first half. One, to be precise. The first shot the Gunners made was very late – in the 33th minute while the second followed seven minutes later. and luckily for the home crowd, it turned out to be a goal. As for the Eagles, they certainly weren’t defensively orientated but also created a few chances. The best one happened in the 24th minute, when Munoz came from the right and had a good shot which Raya saved, before the referee pointed out at the offside position. Trossard cut inside in the 33rd minute, but his low effort was held well by Henderson. But the Palace keeper couldn’t do a thing in the 39th minute when Eze ran onto a ball after Rice’s free kick. Wharton was late to block the former Crystal Palace forward, who scored but didn’t celebrate, due respect for his recent employee.

Second half started with a fantastic chance for Arsenal. It was three chances in one to be precise, all in the same attack and in a space of a few seconds. Another set-piece and Gabriel had the chance this time, but he hit the crossbar, before Rice took another shot which was saved by Henderson this time and finally, the ball came to Saka, who took a strong volley, but the ball went near the post. In the 58th minute, Trossard made a run in and passed the ball to Saka who was five meters away but Guehi cleared the ball just in front of him. It looked like it will be an interesting end of the match, but nothing serious happened really and Gunners are not firmly in the top spot in England.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 9

Friday

Leeds - West Ham 2-1 (1-0)

/Aaronson 13, Rondon 15 - Fernandes 90/

Saturday

Chelsea - Sunderland 1-2 (1-1)

/Garnacho 4 - Isidor 22, Talbi 90+3/

Newcastle - Fulham 2-1 (1-0)

/Murphy 18, Guimaraes 90 - Lukic 56/

Manchester Utd. - Brighton 4-2 (2-0)

/Cunha 24, Casemiro 34, Mbeumo 61, 90+6 - Welbeck 74, Kostoulas 90+2/

Brentford - Liverpool 3-2 (2-1)

/Ouattara 5, Schade 45, Thiago 60 pen - Kerkez 45+5, Salah 89/

Sunday

Arsenal - Crystal Palace 1-0 (1-0)

/Eze 39/

Aston Villa - Manchester City 1-0 (1-0)

/Cash 19/

Bournemouth - Nottingham Forest 2-0 (2-0)

/Tavernier 25, Kroupi 40/

Wolverhampton - Burnley 2-3 (2-2)

/Larsen 42 pen, Munetsi 45+4 - Flemming 14, 30, Foster 90+5/

19.30: (2.40) Everton (3.35) Tottenham (2.95)

***odds are subject to change***