Eberechi Eze was once again a nightmare for Tottenham Hotspur. In the 61st minute of the north London derby, with the score still open, the Englishman pressed high, stole a key ball in the opponent’s half and accelerated the play with determination. The action ended with a shot by Bukayo Saka that was contained by the goalkeeper, but the rebound fell at the feet of Eze, who did not forgive and pushed the ball into the net to establish the final 3-1 for Arsenal.
The goal not only sealed the match, it also confirmed a trend: Eze already has five goals against Spurs in the two derbies played in the 2025/26 Premier League. A record that fuels his personal love affair with the eternal rival and that unleashed a euphoric celebration on the Gunner bench, with Mikel Arteta celebrating with his coaching staff.
Arteta’s confession
After the match, and in statements released by Fabrizio Romano, Arteta was clear about the footballer’s emotional state: “You could tell that Eze wanted to prove something. He was upset even with me, because I didn’t put him to play the other day from the beginning and because of some decisions I made. I have begun to understand how we are going to get the best out of him now.”
The phrase reveals a healthy internal competitiveness. The coach admitted that that spark of nonconformity was decisive for the midfielder to enter with hunger and personality. More than a simple tactical adjustment, the coach seems to have found the right psychological button.
H4ppy Monday, Gooners 🫶 pic.twitter.com/TT51GkhBb3
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 23, 2026
Arsenal opted for Eze as a versatile piece, capable of moving inside or falling to the sides, providing creativity and also scoring. In a season where the team is fighting at the top of the league and maintains European aspirations, its growth can be decisive.
Curiously, Tottenham already suffered it when they shone at Crystal Palace and now they suffer it again with the red shirt. If Arteta manages to sustain this level and channel that competitive motivation, Arsenal could have found the player to tip the balance in the most decisive moments of the course.
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