The Eze Derby

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A roundup of this weeks top stories

• Gabriel remains a major doubt for Sunday's clash after missing training since the Atletico Madrid match
• Downman signs new Arsenal deal
• Riccardo Calafiori could shift to left centre-back if Gabriel doesn't make it, with Myles Lewis-Skelly potentially starting at left-back
• Martin Ødegaard, Gabriel Jesus, and Kai Havertz continue their recovery from knee injuries but remain unavailable for the weekend
• Arteta reveals all three long-term absentees are "progressing really well" and are "super willing to be available as quickly as possible"
• Eberechi Eze faces his former club for the first time since his summer move to Arsenal
• Arsenal have won five of their last six Premier League meetings with Palace, with only last season's 2-2 draw breaking that sequence
• The Gunners are looking to make it four wins from four against teams they dropped points to last season
• Palace arrive having ended their 19-game unbeaten run with a defeat at Everton last weekend
• The Eagles also suffered a surprise 1-0 home loss to AEK Larnaca in the Conference League on Thursday

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Latest News

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Gabriel Set To Miss Palace Game With Injury

now.arsenal @now_arsenaI 🚨Gabriel Magalhaes is a doubt to face Crystal Palace. Mikel Arteta confirms the defender left the pitch against Atletico Madrid with an issue and he will be assessed over next couple of days. 12:58 PM • Oct 24, 2025 480 Retweets 7360 Likes Read 291 replies

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Downman Signs Scholarship Deal

Fabrizio Romano @FabrizioRomano 🚨❤️🤍 Max Dowman has signed scolarship deal at Arsenal, all sealed with the club today. 15 year old’s also ready to sign new pro contract at the club starting from 2027, with verbal agreement in place. Seen as key part of #AFC part long term project by board/Arteta. 7:51 PM • Oct 23, 2025 4470 Retweets 49254 Likes Read 620 replies

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Eze Needs A Big Performance Today

The Nomad Post. @the_nomad_post Arteta on Eze coming up against his former club this weekend: 🗣️It's a big game for us, because last season we dropped some points and it's the fourth game in a row that we're going to play against opponents that we drop points against, and this season we've been able to beat 2:18 PM • Oct 24, 2025 157 Retweets 3125 Likes Read 7 replies

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What Do You Think Of Tottenham? 💩

Fabrizio Romano @FabrizioRomano ❤️🤍 Eberechi Eze: “I was prepared to go to Tottenham… but from the moment Arsenal came, it was always going to be them”. “Playing for Arsenal are more like a show or theatre. There’s more pressure, playing for titles, but it’s something I’ve dreamed of”, told The Athletic. 10:18 PM • Oct 24, 2025 3733 Retweets 51904 Likes Read 937 replies

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A Win Today Puts Us In A Strong Position

DailyAFC @DailyAFC MATCHDAY! 🆚 Crystal Palace 🏟 Emirates Stadium 🏆 Premier League ⏰ 14:00 (GMT) 9:0 AM • Oct 26, 2025 29 Retweets 438 Likes Read 21 replies

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With Gabriel Injured, Is It Time To See Hincapie Feature?

now.arsenal @now_arsenaI 🚨Piero Hincapie returned to full first-team training last week and with Gabriel now a doubt, he could be in line for his first start in an Arsenal shirt this weekend. 1:39 PM • Oct 24, 2025 625 Retweets 11765 Likes Read 125 replies

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👀 Will Salmon Make It To The Bench?

DailyAFC @DailyAFC 🚨 Max Dowman & Marli Salmon have both NOT been included in the Arsenal under-21 side to face Chelsea, indicating a possible first-team inclusion against Crystal Palace tomorrow. ✅👀 1:26 PM • Oct 25, 2025 291 Retweets 5921 Likes Read 25 replies

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Captain On Road To Recovery. We Need Him

now.arsenal @now_arsenaI Huge positive update on the Arsenal captain as Martin Ødegaard steps up his recovery from an MCL injury. Comeback pending… 🔜🇳🇴 2:9 PM • Oct 25, 2025 202 Retweets 3740 Likes Read 25 replies

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The Nwaneri Family ❤️

TVG @Teamgyokeres 🚨 | BREAKING Emerson Nwaneri (Younger brother of Ethan Nwaneri) has received his first-ever call-up for the Arsenal U18 squad ahead of their clash with Fulham. Another Nwaneri stepping into the spotlight ♥️ 10:43 AM • Oct 25, 2025 51 Retweets 1207 Likes

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Arsenal Vs Crystal Palace

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Where to watch & time

Date: Sunday 26th October

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UK

14: 00

​Sky Sports

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US

10:00 AM ET

Peacock Premium

Scout Report

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Current Form

• Palace started the season strongly with three wins and three draws in their first six Premier League fixtures
• Their impressive 19-game unbeaten run was ended by Everton with a last-gasp Jack Grealish goal
• Drew 3-3 with Bournemouth last weekend after fighting back twice
• Suffered a disappointing 1-0 home defeat to AEK Larnaca in the Conference League on Thursday
• Now winless in their last three matches across all competitions

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Key Threats

• Jean-Philippe Mateta has five goals in eight Premier League games this season
• Palace lead the league for shots on target (43), expected goals (17.4), and big chances created (33)
• Wing-backs push high to stretch play and create inside space for attacking midfielders
• Strong aerial presence and physical approach in defensive situations

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Key Stats

• Arsenal: 5 wins in last 6 vs Palace (1 draw).
• Palace conceded 19 goals in last 6 meetings (3.2 avg).
• Arsenal have not faced a shot on target in last two PL matches.
• Arsenal lead in corner goals (7) and set-piece goals (10) — fastest to 10 in PL history.
• Martinelli: 6 goals vs Palace (most vs any club).
• Trossard: Scored in last 2 vs Palace — unbeaten when scoring.

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Arsenal Vs Athletico Madrid

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3 Things We Learned From The Game

1. Timber's emergence as a creative force: Jurrien Timber was instrumental in Arsenal's right sided dominance, constantly finding space in the half space and linking brilliantly with Saka. His speed of decision making and willingness to drive forward with the ball created numerous opportunities.
2. Zubimendi's complete midfield mastery: The Spanish midfielder demonstrated exactly why Arsenal pursued him so relentlessly, showing remarkable composure under pressure and an exceptional ability to manipulate opposition presses. His bounce passing with teammates created a fluid in-and-out rhythm that allowed Arsenal to wait for advantages in the middle third.
3. Martinelli rediscovered his explosive best: Martinelli looked like his old self with dynamic out-to-in runs that terrorised Atletico's defense. His movement for the goal was vintage Martinelli - unpredictable, direct, and devastating when given space to sprint into.

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Cordell Hayes Editor/Owner