Gunners Go Clear at Premier League Summit After Eze Sinks Palace, But Victory Comes at a Cost with Saliba and Rice Forced Off
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta celebrated a “crucial” 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday, describing the hard-fought three points as his team’s “most valuable” of the season, even as the win was clouded by worrying injuries to key players William Saliba and Declan Rice.
The match, settled by a first-half strike from former Palace favourite Eberechi Eze, propelled the Gunners to a seventh consecutive win and sent them four points clear at the top of the Premier League. However, the triumph felt bittersweet as defender Saliba was substituted at halftime and midfield lynchpin Rice hobbled off late on, joining a growing injury list.
“I value this victory more than any other this season,” a candid Arteta told Sky Sports after the game. “Coming from playing every three days, you play against one of the teams I think is one of the best. When you lose that concentration, they can punish you.”
The manager admitted he was in the dark about the severity of the new injuries, revealing his concern. “William Saliba felt some pain. Declan was the same… I don’t really know,” he said, adding that forward Gabriel Martinelli also “felt something” and confirming Bukayo Saka had been ill before the match.
The narrow victory, secured through another lethal set-piece, proved especially significant as title rivals Liverpool, Manchester City, and Chelsea all suffered shock defeats. The results elsewhere dramatically reshaped the table, with Arsenal now sitting seven points clear of Liverpool.
Arteta remained focused on his own squad’s efforts, praising his players for their resilience. “The way they compete and play, the way they want to win, it’s amazing,” he said. “It shows you how hard this league is.”
For a Crystal Palace side now winless in four, the mood was one of pride mixed with frustration. “It’s a mixture of frustration about the result and being proud of the performance,” said manager Oliver Glasner, who rued the “silly foul” that led to Eze’s decisive goal against his old club.
As Arsenal fans dare to dream of a title charge, the club’s medical room will be the centre of attention, with the team’s depth set to be tested like never before.
Similar Posts:
- Eze Haunts Former Club as Grinding Gunners Go Top
- Arsenal Stretch Premier League Lead With Commanding Burnley Victory
- Mikel Arteta Blames Costly Mistakes for Arsenal’s 2-0 Loss to Bournemouth
- Gabriel Jesus Shines as Arsenal Dominate Crystal Palace with 5-1 Win
- Declan Rice’s Celebration After Arsenal’s Gritty Victory Draws Mixed Reactions, Critics Said He Celebrated Like He Won The Champions League
