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EPL: Arsenal Secured A Thrilling 1-0 Win Over Crystal Palace
In a nail-biting clash at Selhurst Park, Arsenal clinched their second consecutive victory in the 2023-24 Premier League season, narrowly defeating Crystal Palace 1-0.
This exhilarating match saw a confident penalty from Martin Odegaard as the deciding factor, but it also witnessed the Gunners enduring a relentless Eagles onslaught during the final 30 minutes, triggered by the controversial sending off of Takehiro Tomiyasu.
A noteworthy decision by Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, was to keep Gabriel Magalhaes on the bench for the second game in a row.
Instead, Tomiyasu stepped in to replace the injured Jurrien Timber on the left-hand side.
Despite Arsenal’s dominance in possession, Crystal Palace, displaying commendable defensive organization, initially held Arteta’s men at bay.
Arsenal orchestrated several passes around the penalty area, but that elusive killer ball remained elusive.
Palace sought opportunities on the counter-attack, keeping Arsenal’s goalkeeper, Aaron Ramsdale, on his toes.
In the 15th minute, Ramsdale was called into action, palming away a Jordan Ayew cross to the edge of the box, where neither Eberechi Eze nor Cheick Doucoure could unleash a shot before Odegaard seized the moment.
Barely a minute later, Eze forced a comfortable save from Ramsdale during a positive spell for Palace.
Arsenal, however, gradually began creating openings for Eddie Nketiah, who regrettably squandered two golden opportunities to put the Gunners in the lead.
With 29 minutes elapsed, the 24-year-old Nketiah struck the post after a precise pass from Saka.
Seven minutes later, he found himself in a similar position on the right-hand side of the box, courtesy of Rice, but his attempted chip sailed harmlessly over the crossbar.
Odegaard attempted a long-range shot in the 42nd minute, but Sam Johnstone, Palace’s goalkeeper, tipped the dipping effort over the bar, preserving a clean sheet for the first half.
However, this clean sheet was short-lived, as Arsenal broke the deadlock just eight minutes into the second half.
A quick free-kick from Gabriel Martinelli to Nketiah caught Palace off guard, and the Englishman skillfully poked the ball beyond Johnstone before being fouled by the Eagles’ goalkeeper.
Odegaard stepped up to take the penalty and calmly sent Johnstone the wrong way.
Following Odegaard’s goal, Arsenal seemed to be in control, but their fortunes took a turn in the 68th minute.
Tomiyasu, who had already been booked for time-wasting, was sent off for a second bookable offense, halving Arsenal’s strength on the pitch.
Replays indicated minimal contact between Tomiyasu and Ayew, but the Japanese defender’s needless yellow card for time-wasting worked against him.
Arteta swiftly bolstered his defense by bringing on Gabriel for a frustrated Martinelli.
Predictably, Tomiyasu’s dismissal breathed new life into Palace.
In the 72nd minute, Palace fervently appealed for a penalty when Eze went down under Thomas Partey’s challenge, but the officials waved away their claims.
In the closing stages of the match, Palace relentlessly attacked the 10-man Arsenal, with every Arsenal player behind the ball.
In the 86th minute, Odsonne Edouard had a chance to equalize, but he couldn’t adjust his body in time, and the ball struck his chest before trickling wide.
As injury time ticked away, Mitchell continued to lead the Palace charge and had the hosts’ best chance for a last-gasp equalizer, but his volley from a tight angle sailed over the crossbar.
Arsenal celebrated the full-time whistle with the relief of a team that had put in a monumental defensive effort.
Their next challenge is to maintain their perfect start in another London derby against Fulham on Saturday, while Palace will travel to fellow capital rivals Brentford in five days’ time.
As Christians around the world mark Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called for peace and unity in the country.
Extending warm greetings to all the faithful and people of goodwill across the nation on Palm Sunday, CAN said the sacred occasion invites citizens to reflect deeply on the life and mission of Jesus Christ, whose message of peace, humility, and sacrificial love remains as urgent today as it was over two thousand years ago.
This was contained in a statement released by the Christian body on Sunday, and signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh.
The umbrella body for Christians in Nigeria also strongly condemned the recent wave of brutal killings in Plateau State, particularly the April 4, 2025 attacks that claimed dozens of innocent lives in Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas.
It added that the acts of violence represent not only a gross violation of human dignity and the sanctity of life but also a serious threat to our national unity and peace.
CAN called on the security agencies to act swiftly and decisively in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
The statement read in part, “Palm Sunday commemorates the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, where He was welcomed with palm branches and shouts of “Hosanna!”—a powerful symbol of peace, humility, and hope.
“This moment, recorded in the Gospels (Matthew 21:1–11, Mark 11:1–11, Luke 19:28–44, and John 12:12–19), offers enduring lessons for our nation as we navigate these uncertain and challenging times. These lessons are especially pertinent as we are once again confronted with a painful reminder of the fragility of peace in our land.
“With deep sorrow, CAN strongly condemns the recent wave of brutal killings in Plateau State, particularly the attacks of 4 April 2025, which claimed the lives of dozens of innocent citizens in Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas. These senseless acts of violence represent not only a gross violation of human dignity and the sanctity of life but also a serious threat to our national unity and peace.
“We call on the security agencies to act swiftly and decisively in bringing the perpetrators to justice. We also urge the government—at all levels—to intensify its efforts to secure all communities and prevent further bloodshed. The continued loss of lives in such tragic circumstances is simply unacceptable.
“We stand in solidarity with the bereaved families and the people of Plateau State. May God grant comfort to the grieving, healing to the wounded, and peace to every troubled heart. In times like these, we are reminded that true leadership is most vital when lives are at risk and communities are in distress.
“In this critical moment, we call on our leaders to rise to the occasion with humility and a clear sense of purpose. Jesus’ choice to enter Jerusalem on a donkey—symbolising peace and servanthood—remains a timeless example. Our leaders must embrace the principles of servant leadership, placing the welfare of the people above personal or political interests. Amidst insecurity, economic hardship, and displacement, let their actions be marked by compassion, justice, and a steadfast commitment to national healing.
“In the same spirit, we appeal to all Nigerians—regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation—to rise above division and embrace our shared identity as one people under God. Just as the diverse crowds in Jerusalem were united in hope, so too must we come together with a common purpose: to heal our land and build a future grounded in mutual respect, compassion, and solidarity.
“Palm Sunday reminds us that even in times of trial, there is hope. The journey to national renewal begins with each of us. Let us be mindful of our words and actions, choosing to be peacemakers in our homes, communities, and workplaces. Through a shared commitment to truth and justice, we can overcome the pain of the present and help shape a Nigeria where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive.
“As we lift our palm branches today, let them serve not only as symbols of worship but as signs of our collective resolve to work for a peaceful and united Nigeria. May God grant us wisdom, courage, and grace in these trying times. We pray for our leaders, that they may be guided by divine insight; for our people, that they may draw strength from unity; and for our nation, that peace may reign in every corner.
“God bless you all, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola, has joined other prominent Nigerians in paying tribute to late Super Eagles legendary former captain and coach, Christian Chukwu, who died on Saturday.
The Nigerian football icon, nicknamed ‘Chairman’ for his imposing presence and the authority he exuded just in defence, died at 74, throwing family, friends, and the entire nation into mourning.
In a tribute to the former centre defender posted on his social media pages on Sunday, Otedola said that Chukwu creatively used the game of football as a unifying force for us as individuals and the nation in general.
“The sudden passing of the legendary Christian Chukwu, former captain and head coach of the Super Eagles, has come as a rude shock to me. As one of Nigeria’s Patriots, Christian Chukwu creatively used the game of football as a unifying force for us as individuals and the nation in general.
“His footballing career as the captain and subsequently coach of the national team remains legendary and fully etched in the annals of our national history,” the statement said.
The former national team and Enugu Rangers captain was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2019, and Otedola stepped in to offer financial support for his medical treatment in the United Kingdom.
The Executive Chairman of Geregu Power PLC recalled that his intervention in 2019 saw Chukwu saw through a very challenging time and gave him a new lease of life.
He condoled the family of the late legendary footballer and his fans all over the world.
“Back in 2019, when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer that affected his legs, I stepped in with the necessary support so as to enable him receive comprehensive care and medical treatment in the United Kingdom.
“Thankfully, that intervention and opportunity saw him through a very challenging time and gave him a new lease of life. My condolences go out to his entire family and to his fans all over the world. May you all find comfort during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace.”
Chukwu captained Nigeria to their first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy in 1980 and was also a former coach of the side between 2002 and 2005. He led the Super Eagles to a third-place finish at the 2004 edition of the continental competition in Tunisia.
He devoted his club career to Enugu Rangers, where he won multiple national titles and led the club to continental glory with their 1977 African Cup Winners’ Cup triumph.
The Presidency has reacted to the directive to US law enforcement agencies to release confidential information generated on President Bola Tinubu.
Elanza News had reported how a United States District Court ordered the FBI to release the information on Nigeria’s number one citizen.
Reacting, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said the information being sought did not indict President Bola Tinubu.
He also hinted that there is nothing new, in the report by Agent Moss of the FBI and the DEA report, saying the report has been in the public space for more than 30 years.
According to Onanuga, “Journalists have sought the Presidency’s reaction to the ruling last Tuesday by a Washington DC judge ordering the US FBI and DEA to release reports connected with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“There is nothing new to be revealed. The report by Agent Moss of the FBI and the DEA report have been in the public space for more than 30 years. The reports did not indict the Nigerian leader. The lawyers are examining the ruling.”