Published: 16:25, 26 October 2025 | Updated: 16:25, 26 October 2025

For all those who view set-pieces as a lesser currency, is there anything more loaded with rich possibilities than a dead ball in Arsenal’s possession? The snobs can count their tears while Mikel Arteta measures the gap.

With quarter of the season now complete, he will enjoy the process immensely – his side sit four points clear of Bournemouth, a full six better off than Manchester City and are proving by the game that nothing beats a good routine and even less is capable of getting past Arsenal’s defence.

Not a bad combination, all things considered, with this clash against Crystal Palace won by a corker from Eberechi Eze against his former club.

The fact it was his first league goal for Arsenal was outweighed by the familiarity of its origins, with Declan Rice swerving a free-kick to the far post, Gabriel Magalhaes winning the knock down, and Eze contorting his body in flight to thunder a half-volley past Dean Henderson. Predictable and beautiful all at once.

Maybe we should say the same...