Eze Shines as Arsenal Triumphs in North London Derby

Eberechi Eze’s recent transfer from Crystal Palace to Arsenal for £67.5 million ($88 million) ignited considerable excitement among fans regarding his potential impact on Mikel Arteta’s attack. On Sunday, Eze delivered an impressive performance, contributing a hat-trick in Arsenal’s commanding 4-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, finally fulfilling the supporters’ expectations.

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

Manager Mikel Arteta echoed this enthusiasm following the North London derby. In a statement 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 the match and what it means to our fans. To bring them joy on such a day is a beautiful experience. We dominated every aspect of the game, creating numerous significant chances. Our squad has the belief and quality needed to deliver consistently.”

Former Tottenham manager and player Tim Sherwood has even predicted Eze could earn a starting position in next year’s World Cup, noting his suitability for a number 10 role under Thomas Tuchel, despite competition from players like Jude Bellingham and Chelsea’s Palmer. He remarked, “While it’s easy to get carried away after a hat-trick in the North London derby, Eze is undoubtedly the most talented number 10 in England. He possesses speed, versatility, and exceptional vision. If we deploy a number 10, it must be Eze.”

Eze was also queried about scoring against a Tottenham side he almost joined this summer. While he tactfully sidestepped the question, Sherwood commended him for his poise, saying, “Credit to the boy; he didn’t seem fazed by the atmosphere. He handled the pressure well. Big players rise to the occasion.”

Arteta acknowledged Eze’s performance but believed he could have netted even more goals, stating, “He could have scored four or five. He possesses the ability to create magic moments that can destabilize opponents. While we enjoyed today’s victory, we recognize the challenges ahead in the Premier League. Our momentum is strong, but each match presents its own difficulties. We will take it game by game, starting with Bayern Munich at home and then facing Chelsea away.”

Having successfully navigated one significant challenge, Arsenal now prepares for an even tougher test against a formidable Bayern Munich side in the Champions League on Wednesday, followed by a Premier League clash against second-placed Chelsea on Sunday.