Eze Shines in North London Derby, Boosting Arsenal’s Title Aspirations

omidbasir- Eberechi Eze’s recent transfer from Crystal Palace to Arsenal for £67.5 million ($88 million) has generated considerable enthusiasm among fans regarding his potential impact on Mikel Arteta’s attacking lineup. On Sunday, Eze delivered a standout performance, scoring a hat-trick in Arsenal’s commanding 4-1 victory over their long-time rivals, Tottenham.

Expressing his joy, the lifelong Arsenal supporter stated to Sky Sports, “That’s a good feeling. It was an enjoyable day, and I’m happy to have contributed to the team’s win. It feels special, man. I’m grateful once again; this is what I pray for. I prayed for a hat-trick today, and I got it, so I’m thankful to God.”

Manager Mikel Arteta shared Eze’s excitement following the north London derby. In his remarks to BBC’s Match of the Day, he emphasized the significance of the match: “It’s a very special day for us. We understood the importance of this game and what it means for our fans. To bring them joy is a beautiful experience. We dominated every aspect of the game, creating numerous significant chances. The squad demonstrated patience and belief in their abilities to perform consistently.”

Former Tottenham manager and player Tim Sherwood has suggested that Eze could earn a starting position in next year’s World Cup. He believes Eze is an ideal candidate for a playmaking role, despite competition from talents like Jude Bellingham, Chelsea’s Palmer, and Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers. Sherwood stated, “While it’s easy to get carried away due to his hat-trick, the reality is that Eze possesses exceptional talent as a central playmaker. He’s quick, versatile, and has keen vision. If we play with a No. 10, it should be Eze.”

When asked about scoring against Tottenham, a club he was close to joining this summer, Eze tactfully sidestepped the question, a move that Sherwood commended, noting, “Credit to the boy; he seemed unfazed by the intense atmosphere. He handled the pressure well, which is characteristic of great players.”

Arteta, while pleased with Eze’s performance, noted that he could have scored even more. He remarked to BBC Sport, “Eze’s ability to create ‘magic moments’ is invaluable, and he could have easily netted four or five goals. Our squad possesses the quality and belief necessary to maintain momentum, but every Premier League match is challenging. We must keep our focus as we prepare for tough fixtures ahead against Bayern Munich and Chelsea.”

With one significant challenge successfully navigated, Arsenal is set to confront an even greater test on Wednesday against a formidable Bayern Munich in the Champions League, followed by a crucial Premier League clash against second-placed Chelsea.