EAGLES SO CREATIVE WITHOUT HERO EZE

OLIVER GLASNER believes it's a simple fact that Crystal Palace are now more creative without Eberechi Eze.

- NEIL MCLEMAN

The inspirational England star scored the winning goal in the FA Cup final to secure the South London club's first major trophy in May.

But since Eze's £60m summer transfer to tomorrow's opponents Arsenal, the stats show that Palace are now creating better chances.

After eight Premier League games and only one defeat, the Eagles top the XG (expected goals) table, compared to a seventhplace finish last year.

The Austrian's side also improved after the £60m sale of Michael Olise in July 2024. Ismaila Sarr is now combining with £26m Spaniard Yeremy Pino in the playmaking roles.