Eze’s unveiling as Arsenal’s new No10 at the Emirates was the culmination of a childhood dream that began after a painful break-up. But how does his role fit into Arteta’s title-winning strategy? Catch Liverpool v Arsenal live on Sky Sports Premier League on Sunday from 4pm; kick-off 4.30pm.
Pictured: Eberechi Eze ended a long journey by joining Arsenal for £67.5m.
Eze's story began with the tears of a teenager rejected at 13 and ended with triumph on the Emirates pitch as a new signing.
Arsenal invested £67.5m to sign a player who had once been dropped from their academy. Young Eze cried during training when he learned of the club's decision, believing his chance to play for the Gunners was gone forever.
- Transfer news in real time! | Follow Arsenal updates 🔴⚪
- Arsenal Schedule & Results | FREE Premier League Live Streaming ▶️
- Watch Arsenal live on Sky on your device 📱
- Don't have access to Sky? Sign up for a subscription or watch without commitment 📺
- Set up your Sky Sports notifications! 🔔
An interview with Eze in May after his crucial contribution to Crystal Palace's FA Cup victory revealed that tenacity and family support had been key to his success.
It wasn't the only challenge in the footballer's career. Fulham, Reading and Millwall also failed to recognise the potential of the future England star, forcing him to seek opportunities outside his usual path.
For convenient viewing of videos, it is recommended to use the Chrome browser.
Eberechi Eze introduced to the Emirates!
After a spell at Queens Park Rangers and a rise to prominence at Crystal Palace, where he became Championship leader, the player has finally been given the chance to establish himself in the elite.
Having established legendary status at Selhurst Park, Eze is now ready to write a new chapter in Arsenal's attacking build-up.
Spreaker. This content is provided by Spreaker, which may use cookies and similar technologies. Your consent to their use is required to access. You can change the settings below or allow one-time use. Changes are available in the privacy section. Confirm permission to view. Enable cookies Allow for one session
The path through trials
Palace's FA Cup triumph only confirmed that Eze is a player capable of leading a team to victory.
The footballer himself never doubted this. For him, success was only a matter of time.
For the best video viewing experience, please use Chrome.
In The Pursuit podcast, Eberechi Eze reveals details of his difficult start to his career after being rejected by academies, including current club Arsenal.
During the Cup victory celebration, he exuded the same confidence that he had on the field.
When he moved to Palace, Eze found himself in a dressing room with the likes of Zaha, Townsend and Benteke.
Each of them helped the team stay in the Premier League, becoming an example for Eze, and he believes that recognition of their contribution is the basis for the club's current achievements.
Chrome is recommended for better video player accessibility.
Eze's brilliant goal against Arsenal in April was a harbinger of a future move.
With experienced players leaving the team, Eze took on the role of leader, fully immersing himself in the new mission.
Despite injuries hampering consistency under Hodgson and Vieira, the FA Cup was a game-changer, with crucial goals and progress in 2024/25 convincing Arteta of its value.
Use Chrome for a better browsing experience.
Sky Sports pundits discuss Eze's potential at Arsenal following move from Palace.
Role in Arteta's system
Eze's improvisation on the pitch is exactly what Arsenal lacked last season to challenge for the title.
Datawrapper. Content from Datawrapper may use cookies. Your consent is required to view. Adjust settings or allow temporary access. Enable cookies Allow once
The reliance on Saka and Odegaard to create chances, particularly down the right, made attacks predictable.
While overloads in this area are effective, opponents have learned to block this area, which limits the team's variability.
Graphic: Arsenal's attacking shift to the right last season. Datawrapper. To access, please confirm the use of cookies. Enable Allow per session
The left flank with Eze will add balance, with his role as a left 10 in Palace's 3-4-2-1 giving Arsenal new options to break down the defence.
Comparing Eze to Arsenal's current left-backs
Physical strength, the ability to hold the ball and shift into the half-space will allow the left back to be more active, creating a numerical advantage. At the same time, his dribbling will add an individual threat.
Experience in Glasner's disciplined system has prepared Eze for Arteta's demands, and his ability to tackle in midfield matches the manager's expectations.
What next?…
Content from Monterosa requires cookie permission. Please enable them below. Enable Allow once
Eze's story is more than just a return. It is a conscious journey to a place he considers his own.
After declaring in May that he would “do everything to win the Premier League”, the FA Cup has only increased his ambitions.
The Emirates are awaiting a new leader. But whether he will be the missing link in Arteta's title race remains to be seen.
Sourse: skysports.com
