Eberechi Eze marked a special moment in his Arsenal career on Sunday, scoring the decisive goal in a 1-0 win over his former club Crystal Palace — and receiving a standing ovation from both sets of supporters at the Emirates Stadium.
The England midfielder, who joined Arsenal from Palace for £60 million in August, struck late in the first half to secure another crucial victory for Mikel Arteta’s side. His composed finish from inside the box extended Arsenal’s strong start to the Premier League campaign and strengthened their position at the top of the table.
It was a bittersweet goal for Eze, who spent four memorable years at Selhurst Park before his summer switch. Out of respect for his former club, the 26-year-old chose not to celebrate, instead raising his arm quietly toward the Palace end. In a touching moment, the visiting supporters rose to their feet and applauded him — a rare sight in modern football that highlighted the deep mutual respect between player and fans.
Arsenal, meanwhile, continued to show why they’ve become known as “Set-Piece FC.” Eze’s goal came from a well-worked free-kick routine, as Declan Rice’s delivery was headed down by Gabriel Magalhães and smartly finished by Eze on the bounce. It was Arsenal’s 11th goal from a dead-ball situation this season — the most by any team in Europe’s top five leagues.
The win extended Arsenal’s unbeaten run in all competitions to seven games and moved them four points clear at the top of the Premier League, ahead of Bournemouth, Manchester City, and Liverpool. Arteta’s side have now conceded just three goals in 13 matches this season, with 10 clean sheets underlining their defensive strength.
There were minor concerns, however, as both William Saliba and Declan Rice limped off with potential knocks. But the night belonged to Eze — once the creative spark of Crystal Palace, now one of Arsenal’s most influential new signings.
As he walked off in the closing minutes, Eze was met with warm applause from the home fans and a heartfelt ovation from the Palace supporters who still hold him in high regard. It was a moment of respect that perfectly captured the class and connection of a player admired on both sides of the divide.
