Mikel Arteta praised Eberechi Eze following Arsenal’s emphatic 4-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, highlighting the midfielder’s determination and match-winning impact.
Eze scored twice in the North London Derby, continuing his remarkable form against Tottenham. The 26-year-old has now netted five goals in his last two games against Spurs — an impressive feat in one of English football’s fiercest rivalries.
Speaking after the match, Arteta admitted that Eze was eager to prove a point.
“Ebs has scored five goals in the last two games against Tottenham, which is extremely difficult to do, but I could see that he wanted to prove something,” Arteta said.
“He was upset, even with me, because I didn’t play him the other day from the beginning and some of the decisions that I made. And I start to understand how we’re going to get the best out of him now.”
The Arsenal manager revealed that Eze’s frustration after being left out of the starting lineup in a previous match fuelled his performance against Spurs.
“He had that belief and I’m really happy with him. He’s really trying to mould and adapt into what we want from him. You just have to look at his face and the way he was in the dressing room and with that big smile and his eyes are just expressing everything that you need to.”
Arteta emphasized that Eze’s attitude and adaptability are key to Arsenal’s ambitions this season.
“He came here for a reason and we need those moments from these players. I think him and the front players today, I think they’ve done what we expect from them.”
Arsenal Go Top of the Table
The 4-1 win was sealed with two goals from Eze and a brace from Viktor Gyökeres, as Arsenal delivered a dominant attacking display.
With this crucial victory, Arsenal move to the top of the Premier League table with 61 points — four ahead of Manchester City, who have a game in hand.
The result not only strengthens Arsenal’s title credentials but also underlines the growing influence of Eze in Arteta’s system. If the midfielder continues this form, he could prove decisive in the Gunners’ push for silverware this season.
