Match context
Arsenal extended their lead in the Premier League with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday, the ninth round of the season at the Emirates Stadium.
Eberechi Eze, a former Crystal Palace academy product, scored the decisive goal in the 39th minute after a Declan Rice free kick found Gabriel’s head at the far post and bounced to Eze for the finish.
Palace pressed in the first half and created chances, but Arsenal’s defense stood firm and the hosts grew into the game after the break.
Arsenal moved to 22 points, four clear of Bournemouth in second, while Palace remained on 13 points in 10th.
Second-half events
Arsenal began the second half with intent and came close when a Gabriel header hit the crossbar after a well-worked move from a corner, with Saka also testing Palace’s resolve as the game opened up.
Palace briefly threatened to snatch an equaliser, but Arsenal’s structure held and the Gunners continued to push for a second.
In the 59th minute, Palace made their first substitution as Oliver Glasner reshaped the frontline, while Arsenal responded with a change of their own to refresh the flanks.
The match finished 1-0, securing Arsenal’s position at the summit.
