Eze Aims to Make a Statement as He Dismantles Spurs Once More

Eze’s Impact in the North London Derby

Eberechi Eze’s role as a game-changer is no secret to those familiar with his journey. His celebration after netting a vital goal is becoming a familiar sight. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur fans can breathe a sigh of relief at not having to face the Arsenal star until the next season.

In his six seasons in the Premier League, Eze has tallied 40 goals, with a notable 19 strikes occurring during critical late-season matches, demonstrating his knack for performing under pressure.

After scoring the decisive goal for Crystal Palace in last season’s FA Cup final against Manchester City, Eze has continued to haunt Spurs, especially after rejecting their advances last summer to join Arsenal. Following a hat-trick in November’s match, he added two more goals in the recent clash at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, expressed his satisfaction with Eze’s efforts, noting, “He had that belief, and I’m really pleased with his progress.”

Ironically, Eze’s only other league goal this season came against his prior team, Crystal Palace, in a win in October, highlighting the stark contrast in his contributions against these two rivals. With his double tally in the latest match, Eze now has five goals against Spurs, trailing only Robert Pires and Emmanuel Adebayor in terms of Premier League goals for Arsenal against this specific opponent.

He has also become the first Arsenal player since Adebayor in the 2007-08 season to score five or more times against a single team in the same season. Eze’s popularity among fans has grown, particularly after his choice to join Arsenal over Spurs in a £60 million transfer, and his goals are the icing on the cake of this decision.

A Resilient Journey for Eze

Despite facing various challenges this season, including limited playing time, Eze has made the most of his opportunities. This particular match marked only his second league start since December. The competitive midfield lineup, led by captain Martin Odegaard, has made it tough for Eze to assert himself on the pitch.

Arteta previously tested Eze in different roles, but after a lapse in performance, Eze found himself sidelined for several matches. Despite a disappointing draw with Wolves, Arteta praised Eze, stating the need to figure out how to best utilize his talents.

Former England striker Wayne Rooney had some critical words regarding Eze’s season, acknowledging the need for improvement outside of his performances against Spurs. Rooney noted, however, that Eze possesses qualities in the offensive third that could be valuable to Arsenal.

Eze’s Ambitions as England Looks On

Eze’s consistency might catch the eye of England’s manager, Thomas Tuchel, especially as the World Cup approaches. “Today has turned out well for us, and I’m thankful for that,” Eze shared with Sky Sports after the match. “I aim to place myself in the right spots and capitalize on opportunities. It takes effort, and it paid off today.”

Gyokeres Shines in Key Match

It was also a pivotal day for Eze’s teammate, Viktor Gyokeres. After facing scrutiny earlier in the season, the Swedish international has found his groove in recent appearances. With a standout performance at Spurs, Gyokeres now leads all Premier League players in 2026 with eight goals, marking a resurgence for both him and Arsenal as they aim for success.

Arteta commended Gyokeres as crucial during challenging moments, emphasizing his importance to the team’s structure. Following this match, Arsenal sits five points ahead of Manchester City, although they have played one additional game. As they gear up for an upcoming showdown with Guardiola’s side, the timing of Eze and Gyokeres’ scoring form could not be more favorable.