Wayne Rooney has questioned the growing hype around Eberechi Eze following Arsenal’s emphatic 4-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, insisting the midfielder “hasn’t been good enough this season.”

Eze scored twice in Arsenal’s dominant North London Derby win, taking his tally to five goals in his last two matches against Spurs. The performance earned widespread praise, especially after manager Mikel Arteta revealed the player was motivated to prove a point after being left out of the starting lineup in a previous game.

Arteta admitted after the match that Eze had been “upset” with him over team selection decisions but responded in perfect fashion with a match-winning display.

However, Rooney has offered a contrasting view.

“I disagree a bit because I don’t think Eze’s been good enough this season,” Rooney said.

“The two Tottenham games have shined a big light on him but in other games I’ve watched him and not thought he’s been good enough.”

Debate Over Eze’s Consistency

While Eze has delivered in high-profile fixtures — particularly against Tottenham — Rooney’s comments raise questions about his overall consistency across the campaign.

The 26-year-old’s brace against Spurs, alongside two goals from Viktor Gyökeres, helped Arsenal climb to the top of the Premier League table with 61 points. They now sit four points clear of Manchester City, although City have a game in hand.

Arteta, meanwhile, made it clear he believes Eze is adapting well to Arsenal’s system and understanding what is required of him.

“He had that belief and I’m really happy with him,” Arteta said after the derby. “He’s really trying to mould and adapt into what we want from him.”

Title Race Pressure Building

With Arsenal leading the title race, performances from attacking players like Eze could prove decisive in the final stretch of the season. But Rooney’s criticism adds a new layer of pressure on the midfielder to deliver consistently — not just in big games.

As the Premier League title battle intensifies, all eyes will be on whether Eze can silence his critics once again or if Rooney’s assessment proves accurate in the weeks ahead.