Arsenal has moved four points clear at the top of the Premier League table following their 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday. And Mikel Arteta’s team is benefiting from the performances of one individual in particular as they continue their title pursuit.
The Gunners faced a stiff challenge in the London derby, with Oliver Glasner’s side off to a strong start in 2025/26. Arsenal, on the other hand, continued to blend defensive stability with attacking menace, as former Eagle Eberechi Eze smashed a loose ball home for his first goal for the north Londoners since joining from Selhurst Park for £68 million.
Arsenal pushed for a second goal after halftime, hitting the woodwork while keeping their opponents out. With rivals Liverpool and Manchester City missing points early on, they have emerged as contenders for Premier League trophy this season, thanks to a combination of ruthlessness in front of goal and tenacious defence.
Declan Rice excelled against Crystal Palace.
Declan Rice has contributed to Arsenal’s attacking and defensive strategies. Since joining the Emirates from West Ham United, the England international has developed into the complete midfield package, with Arteta allowing him to get forward and create rather than simply sitting in front of the defenders and acting as a shield.
That freedom has been increased even more with the signing of Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi. Rice has a goal and two assists in nine league games, but it’s his all-around play that has pleased fans the most. His passing range is exceptional, and his set-piece delivery makes him a formidable threat from numerous positions on the field.
And the 26-year-old was using his typical trickery against Palace. While he did not add to his goal or assist totals against the Eagles, he may have if Arsenal had more cutting edge. Rice made three important passes and earned an expected assist total of 0.61 when at his creative peak. And it was his set-piece delivery that led to Eze’s crucial goal.
Check out Rice’s stats versus Crystal Palace below:
Declan Rice in Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace.
Touches
72
Expected Goals
0.37
Expected assists
0.61
Key Passes
3
Passing Accuracy
73%
Crosses (Accurate)
6 (2)
Tackles (won
3 (2)
Interceptions
2
Clearances
1
It’s impossible to disagree that he’s one of the best midfielders in the world right now, and many Arsenal fans flocked to social media during the game to express their excitement with his performance. One fan said, “Declan Rice has been monumental today,” which was mirrored by another fan, who wrote, “Declan Rice is soo good to watch.”
Others decided to stress his persistent threat from set pieces, which has given the Gunners an advantage in attack. “Nicolas Jover is an excellent set piece coach, no doubt,” one fan said. “That said, every single Premier League team would score more goals if they had Declan Rice’s quality of delivery.” A different person commented: “We need to have a discussion on Declan Rice and his deliveries because not even David Beckham was this consistent.”
The only negative aspect of Rice’s Sunday was his early exit from the game, when he hobbled off the field after appearing to take a knock. Arsenal fans will hope that Arteta’s substitution was simply precautionary and that he will be fit to play against Brighton and Burnley next week.
xz
