Arsenal vs Crystal Palace: Dead ball advantage at Emirates

Arsenal will host Crystal Palace at 9pm on October 26 at the Emirates with the weapon that has broken the deadlock many times: set pieces. Mikel Arteta's team has scored 10 goals from set pieces in the Premier League this season, including a corner kick that helped Trossard seal victory against Fulham in Round 8. On the other hand, Crystal Palace created many chances but wasted them significantly, making the trip to North London a harsh test.

Arsenal's set-piece prowess under Nicolas Jover

Since the arrival of set-piece assistant Nicolas Jover, set-pieces have become a staple of Arsenal's game. Last time out, a well-choreographed corner unlocked the Fulham defence, with Trossard scoring the only goal from close range. His tally of 10 goals from set-pieces in the Premier League this season is a direct reflection of how effective they are when teams are stuck.

Arsenal have also maintained a solid defensive foundation, with goalkeeper David Raya not having had a shot on target in his last two Premier League games. The Emirates are therefore a strong base: the Gunners have won seven of their last eight home games, scoring 28 goals, and just thrashed Atletico Madrid 4-0 in the Champions League midweek.

Crystal Palace: Lots of firepower, poor conversion

The data shows that Crystal Palace lead the Premier League in shots on target (43) and have an expected goals xG of 17.4. However, their finishing efficiency is a bottleneck: they have missed 22 of 33 clear-cut chances. In their last 14 Premier League games, Oliver Glasner’s side have drawn eight and lost just once – a trend that shows organisation but also points to problems in finishing.

Tactical Corner: The Battle Between Discipline and Performance

Arsenal prefer to control the game, but when necessary, they are ready to accelerate in dead-ball situations – where organisation, position and trajectory of the ball are repeated with great precision. This is an effective plan B when open play is at a standstill.

Crystal Palace are again relying on the volume of chances they create. They have a lot of shots on target, high xG, but a low conversion rate. Against opponents who are limiting the shots on target they receive, the problem for Palace will be deciding in the box: either improve the quality of their shots, or continue to be dragged into a game that is eroded by the concentration of Arsenal's defense.

Important statistics

Force information

Arsenal

Absent: Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke, Gabriel Jesus, Hincapie (injured). Gabriel is doubtful of playing.

Crystal Palace

Absent: Caleb Kporha, Cheick Doucoure, Chadi Riad (injured).

Expected lineup (according to source)

Arsenal

Raya; Timber, Saliba, Mosquera, Calafiori; Eze, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli.

Crystal Palace

Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Guehi; Munoz, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell; Pino, Sarr; Mateta.

Rates, projections and impacts

Asian ratio: Arsenal handicap 1 1/4; Over/Under: 2 3/4. Prediction: Arsenal win 2-1.

Arsenal have taken advantage of defending champions Liverpool’s stumble and Man City’s lack of momentum to move them top of the table. Another win at the Emirates would cement their position. For Crystal Palace, a point is a realistic target – especially given the need to improve their conversions to match their xG and shots on target.

Premier League Round 9 Schedule 2025/26

• October 25, 21:00: Newcastle - Fulham
• October 25, 21:00: Chelsea - Sunderland
• October 25, 23:30: Manchester United - Brighton
• October 26 02:00: Brentford - Liverpool
• October 26, 21:00: Arsenal - Crystal Palace
• October 26, 21:00: Aston Villa - Manchester City
• October 26, 21:00: Bournemouth - Nottingham Forest
• October 26, 9:00 p.m.: Wolves - Burnley
• October 26, 23:30: Everton - Tottenham

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