Bhubaneswar: In a compelling Premier League clash at the Arsenal’s home ground, the Crystal Palace’s former star Eberechi Eze turned the tide for his new side, scoring the only goal of the match and condemning his old club to defeat.
Eze, who left Palace for Arsenal earlier this summer, found the net in the 39th minute when defender Gabriel Magalhães headed on a free-kick from Declan Rice, leaving the Palace defence scrambling. Eze reacted quickly, steered a first-time finish past goalkeeper Dean Henderson, and marked the moment with restraint — choosing not to celebrate out of respect for his former club.
With the win, Arsenal extended their unbeaten league run and opened up a four-point gap at the top of the Premier League table. Meanwhile, Palace slipped further from their earlier momentum, still searching for consistency in the league.
Arsenal’s defence again proved its mettle, with goalkeeper David Raya registering yet another clean sheet and reinforcing the Gunners’ reputation as one of the division’s most difficult teams to break down. On the attacking front, Arsenal continue to pose a major threat from set-pieces — a factor that once again made the difference.
For Palace, the result adds to a growing list of concern. Despite flashes of promise this season, their inability to convert chances and maintain defensive clarity is leaving them stranded mid-table. Manager Oliver Glasner will be under pressure to arrest the slide and restore the confidence that saw his team reach last season’s milestones.
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