MIKEL ARTETA LAUDS EZE’S BRILLIANCE AFTER DAZZLING PERFORMANCE AGAINST PALACE
Mikel Arteta hailed Eberechi Eze's "magic moment" after his stunning volley secured a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace. The victory sent Arsenal four points clear, but injuries to Rice and Saliba caused concern.
Eberechi Eze scored the winning goal for Arsenal against Crystal Palace (John Walton/PA) (PA Wire)
After Eberechi Eze scored the game-winning goal in Arsenal's 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace, Mikel Arteta praised him for returning a portion of his £67.5 million transfer fee.
Six minutes before halftime, Eze scored a fantastic goal against his former team to help Arsenal win for the seventh time in a row in all competitions.
Although Mikel Arteta's team did not put on a particularly impressive display at the Emirates, the win puts Arsenal six points ahead of Manchester City, who lost 1-0 at Aston Villa, and four points ahead of second-place Bournemouth in the standings. Liverpool, the reigning champions, is one point further back.
Eze's goal against the team he spent five years with was met with a subdued jubilation. However, it was the England international's much-needed first league goal in seven tries since his high-profile transfer.
When asked if Eze's goal gave him the kind of "magic moment" for which he was signed, Arteta responded, "Yes, 100%."
"He is undoubtedly a big player, and that is what big players do. Hopefully, that will give him a lot of confidence and a boost to create many more moments like this because sometimes that is what defines a season."
Before the game, I did not notice any changes in him. He always has a wide smile on his face and is quite laid back. Given his lengthy tenure at Palace and his deep affection and appreciation for that team, it may have been ingrained in him. He had a pretty amazing game today.
Last season, Arsenal only managed one point in their home games against West Ham and Crystal Palace, as well as away games against Newcastle and Fulham.
They scored 12 points out of 12 this time, and Arteta went on, "We knew how hard it was, so I just told the boys that I treasure this victory more than any other victory this season."
"We are proud of ourselves for being so consistent, but it really means nothing other than let us keep doing a lot of things that we are doing really well. That is where we are (in the league)." Additionally, there is room for improvement to increase our margins.
The injuries to Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori, and William Saliba were the only negative aspects of Arsenal's quest for their first league title in twenty-two years. Rice and Calafiori were substituted in the second half, but the former did not return after the half.
"There were two things relating to William's substitution, and with Declan, I do not really know because it was a knock," Arteta remarked cryptically. I am not sure if it was his Achilles or his calf. We will have more news tomorrow.
Manager Oliver Glasner stated, "When you give Eze a free shot inside the box, it is very often a goal." Palace has now lost three of its previous four games in all competitions.
"Last season, we benefited a lot, but today, we suffered. In the FA Cup final, he scored the game-winning goal like this. I was happy back then, but now I feel the reverse. I felt depressed.
DISCIPLINARY BLOW: MADRID PLAYER SUSPENDED POST EL CLáSICO TUSSLE
Real Madrid's backup keeper Andriy Lunin has been handed a one-game suspension by the RFEF for his aggressive conduct on the bench during the heated final moments of El Clásico. Real Madrid's appeal was rejected.
El Clásico Scuffle - Photo Credit Getty Images
Los Blancos' goalie Andriy Lunin has been suspended for one game by the RFEF Disciplinary Committee for his involvement in the sideline dramas during the El Clásico's final moments. Although the cameras did not catch it, referee Soto Grado did record that he had sent the Ukrainian off.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the RFEF responded as follows when asked why Lunin received a red card.
The reason for Lunin, Andrii's expulsion in the 90th minute was that he had to be restrained by his teammates after he walked aggressively from his bench to the blonde bench.
The disciplinary committee of the RFEF
"When considered significant, those whose behaviour violates sporting order will be suspended for four to ten games or fined between 602 and 3,006 euros."
Because of Lunin's actions, which constituted a minor violation of the sporting order, he was suspended for one game. The ruling had been challenged by Real Madrid. However, the RFEF stayed steadfast, defending the referee's ruling and the evidence in the match report and on film.
Now, the backup goalie will not play against Valencia this weekend, where he is probably going to be benched. Fran Gonzalez and Sunico, both from the youth team, might be called up as the matchday squad's third choice, with Sergio Mestre serving as a backup.
No Barcelona players or any other Real Madrid players were slapped with bans following the two flash moments in the closing stages of the game. When Vinicius Jr. and Lamie Yamal argued, even players who were not on the team were spotted shoving on the side of the field. The RFEF, however, determined that nothing that came to pass would justify further prohibitions.
ARSENAL STAR DROPS CONFIDENT TITLE HINT AFTER STRONG OPENING
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is targeting a historic Premier League and World Cup double with England this season. The winger believes it's a "doable" feat as the Gunners lead the title race.
Bukayo Saka - (Image: David Price/Arsenal FC)
According to Bukayo Saka, it is feasible for Arsenal and England to win both games this season. The season has started well for the Gunners under Mikel Arteta's leadership.
Arsenal leads the Premier League standings by four points at the moment and is starting to look like a title contender. Manchester City is only one point ahead of defending champions Liverpool, who are seven points behind.
Saka, however, is not only interested in winning at his club; he also hopes to succeed internationally. Manager Thomas Tuchel has stated that winning the trophy is his ambition for England, who have qualified for the World Cup in the USA next year.
Saka is optimistic about his club's and his nation's chances of winning. "Yeah, that is my prayer," he remarked in an interview with Sky Sports. It is possible, of course.