After the thrilling 4-0 Champions League triumph over Atlético Madrid just days prior, the focus for the Sunday London derby against Crystal Palace was drastically different. The challenge was transitioning from fluid European football back to the physical, intense nature of the Premier League—especially against a compact Palace side. Mikel Arteta's mentality centered on consistency and winning ugly when necessary.
Mikel Arteta: "The Champions League result means nothing now. This is the Premier League, and these are the games that define your season. We must respect Palace, match their intensity, and show the resilience to conquer the grind. Three points at home are non-negotiable."
Key Moments & Goal Magic
The opening half-hour of the match was testament to the challenge Arteta had predicted. Oliver Glasner's Palace side executed their defensive plan perfectly, restricting Arsenal to no sights of goal in what was our longest wait for an attempt in a Premier League game since April 2021. David Raya's only moment of early action was to beat away a drive that was subsequently ruled offside.
The deadlock was broken by a moment of individual brilliance—once again originating from a set-piece, highlighting a major Arsenal strength this season. In the 38th minute, Declan Rice curled a superb free-kick towards the back post, which Gabriel nodded back into the penalty spot. Racing onto the dropping ball, Eberechi Eze launched an acrobatic, karate-kick-like volley towards goal. The effort whizzed past Dean Henderson and nestled into the net to give the Gunners a vital 1-0 lead.
The second half was just as tense, with Arsenal going close three times within a ten-second spell when Gabriel hit the crossbar and Bukayo Saka flashed a trademark curler inches wide. However, as the game wore on, the nerves began to jangle as Palace pushed desperately for an equalizer. Our backline, however, refused to be breached, bravely repelling a plethora of long balls and ensuring Eze's single strike was enough to secure victory. The defense held firm to record a 10th clean sheet from 13 matches this term.
Following the final whistle, a relieved Mikel Arteta recognized the unique value of the three points, earned through grit rather than flowing football.
Mikel Arteta: "I genuinely think this is the biggest victory we've had this season. People look at the score, but to beat a team that defends so well, after a European night, and to find a way to win when the chances are limited—that tells me everything about the character of the players."
Jurrien Timber: "We know we have the quality to score, but the consistency of the backline is everything. When you keep getting those clean sheets, you feel the confidence grow as a unit. It makes a massive difference in games like these."
The Man of the Match award goes to Eberechi Eze. His superb volley was the defining moment of a tight encounter, providing the quality required to break down a resilient defense. The goal, netted against his former club, secured a crucial three points and pushed Arsenal four points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
That's seven wins in a row across all competitions! Next up, the Gunners are back in Emirates Stadium action on Wednesday when Brighton & Hove Albion visit for a Carabao Cup fourth round tie.
Image Credits: https://www.arsenal.com/news/gallery-40-photos-crystal-palace-success