Eberechi Eze’s brace in the North London derby underlines his finishing form and Arsenal’s title momentum; punters might back Arsenal to beat Chelsea and consider Eze as an anytime scorer — but account for rotation risk if Martin Ødegaard returns, so size stakes carefully.
Eze double hands Arsenal a commanding derby win but questions remain
Eberechi Eze produced a decisive brace as Arsenal thumped Tottenham 4-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, underlining his knack for big-game goals while prompting fresh debate about his role under Mikel Arteta. The victory stretched Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League to five points and reinforced their title credentials.
Eze’s derby impact and season numbers
Eze netted twice to follow up his earlier hat-trick against Spurs this season, and though much of his Premier League scoring has come against Tottenham, he now has seven goals in all competitions for Arsenal. His derby goals continue to highlight his finishing instincts, even if fans and pundits still look for the more adventurous, Palace-style version of the winger.
Arteta on adaptation and team shape
Mikel Arteta praised Eze’s willingness to adapt to the team’s tactical demands, saying the midfielder has shown belief and a readiness to mould his game to Arsenal’s style. That adaptation has sometimes seen Eze occupy higher starting positions to pin back opposition full-backs, a role Arteta views as important to the side’s collective balance.
Rio Ferdinand: sacrifice vs. star quality
Rio Ferdinand argued Eze has “sacrificed parts of his game” since leaving Crystal Palace, likening the situation to Jack Grealish’s early Manchester City days. Ferdinand suggested Eze’s current role helps the team’s title push but may hide the full attacking range that made him a stand-out at Selhurst Park. He urged Eze to face the game more and use quick combinations to draw defenders out of position.
Selection questions ahead of Arsenal vs Chelsea
Eze’s performance will strengthen his case for a starting role, but Martin Ødegaard’s recovery and a possible return to fuller fitness complicate selection decisions for the upcoming clash with Chelsea at the Emirates. Arteta may have to balance attacking fluidity with squad rotation as Arsenal manage fitness across a title run-in.
Betting implications
Form and fixture history point to reasonable value in backing Arsenal to win and Eze as an anytime scorer if he starts. However, the rotation risk with Ødegaard’s return means punters should size stakes conservatively and check starting lineups before placing matchday bets.
Paul Scholes accuses Arsenal star of being ‘too emotional’ after derby win over Tottenham
Consider market alternatives like “Eze to score at any time” with reduced stakes or Arsenal to win with a -1 handicap for greater safety.
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