Arsenal vs. Palace: The London Derby to Watch | OneFootball

All Eyes on Eze

Sunday’s London derby between Arsenal and Crystal Palace carries emotion, pressure and plenty of history. Nobody will feel that more than Eberechi Eze, who faces his former club for the first time since his summer move to the Emirates.

The 27-year-old England international left Palace in August for a fee rising to just under $90 million, fulfilling a boyhood dream of representing Arsenal, the club he supported as a youngster and started his career at. His first weeks in north London have shown flashes of class but also adjustment. One goal and three assists from his first dozen appearances suggest a player still finding his rhythm within Mikel Arteta’s demanding system.

The Gunner View

“There is something in your tummy, obviously,” Arteta admitted when asked about Eze facing his old team. “There is history, there are emotions, very close relationships. When you step in there with that mindset, you have even more will to win. I am sure Ebs will be ready for that. It is a big game for us and last season we dropped points. The focus is on that. For Ebs it will be special, but the focus is on the team.”

That previous draw at Selhurst Park was one of several frustrating results that ultimately derailed Arsenal’s title chase last season. This time, as they lead the Premier League again, Arteta knows a win would be both symbolic and significant, a show of maturity for a side that now looks as resilient as it is talented.

The Eagle View

Eze’s former manager Oliver Glasner is full of respect for his ex-player but insists Palace have evolved since selling both Eze and fellow super star forward Michael Olise to Bayern Munich the year before.

“In Eberechi we lost a player who could decide games on his own,” Glasner said. “But Crystal Palace now have the highest expected goals in the Premier League, ahead of City, Arsenal and Liverpool, and that comes from the collective. We lost a fantastic player and an even better person, but there will be no friendship during the game.”

Glasner’s side are dynamic in attack, with Yeremy Pino, Ismaila Sarr and Jean-Philippe Mateta combining to great effect. Mateta’s physical presence and finishing have made him one of the most effective strikers in the league. Arteta, though, is wary of the supply lines that feed him. “It is not just about Mateta,” he said. “It is what they do as a team, how they organise themselves. They know when to attack and how to exploit spaces. You have to stop the source, because one against one he is very successful.”

Defensive Excellence

Arsenal, by contrast, have built their success this season on control and defensive solidity. They have conceded only 0.38 goals per game, a pace that would beat the record of 15 goals against set by José Mourinho’s Chelsea in 2004-05.

“It is something super positive,” Arteta said. “It is the first time in our history we have achieved that level, so imagine how hard it is. We are very proud of what we are doing. Normally, you win the league with the best defence – apart from us in the last few years!”

At their current rate of 1.88 goals scored per game and 0.38 conceded, Arsenal’s balance mirrors that Chelsea team’s efficiency. The Gunners are less explosive than in past seasons, but more assured. They can now grind out results where they once faltered.

A Crucial Fixture

Sunday’s fixture may not decide the title, but it represents a clear measure of progress. Arsenal are learning to manage games, stay composed and turn potential setbacks into statements.

And for Eze, it is a homecoming filled with meaning. Loved at Palace, embraced by Arsenal, and with his best years still ahead, he stands at the centre of a story that symbolises both clubs’ evolution.

A win for the prodigal son would not just avenge dropped points, it would underline Arsenal’s transformation from challengers to a side built to last.