Owen Hargreaves Extols Arsenal's 'Special' Talents in Quadruple Pursuit
Owen Hargreaves has showered praise on two of Mikel Arteta's summer acquisitions, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke, while expressing strong confidence in Arsenal's capacity to achieve a sensational quadruple this season. This endorsement follows the Gunners' commanding 4-0 victory over Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup fourth round, a result that propels them into the fifth round and keeps their ambitious dreams of four trophies vividly alive.
Dominant Display Secures FA Cup Progress
Arsenal delivered a blistering first-half performance against League One side Wigan, netting four goals within the opening thirty minutes. Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel Jesus all found the back of the net, showcasing the team's formidable attacking prowess. Although Wigan managed to tighten their defense in the second half, the match underscored Arsenal's dominance and depth, qualities essential as they contend on multiple fronts.
Currently, Arsenal lead the Premier League with twelve matches remaining, have advanced to the knockout stages of the Champions League, and are set to face Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final. Hargreaves, speaking on TNT Sports, emphasized the team's potential, stating, 'Arsenal could win four trophies. They have built a brilliant team, so they have the depth and they have the squad.' He highlighted the critical nature of the coming months, noting, 'These last two or three months are decisive and they need to find a way to get over the line.'
Hargreaves' Acclaim for Summer Signings
Hargreaves reserved particular commendation for Eberechi Eze, the £67.5 million signing from Crystal Palace, who rebounded impressively after being substituted at halftime in Arsenal's previous draw with Brentford. Described as 'the best player on the pitch' against Wigan, Eze demonstrated sharpness and precision, with Hargreaves remarking, 'Everything was quick, everything was precise. There is no denying he is a really special player.' He acknowledged the challenges of integrating into a squad brimming with talent but affirmed Eze's exceptional abilities.
Arsenal legend Martin Keown also praised Eze, suggesting he needs to play closer to the goal to maximize his impact. Keown observed, 'He's got immense ability in front of goal. He's got electricity in his feet. He can really hit a ball and score goals.' He stressed that Eze will play a crucial role if Arsenal are to secure the quadruple, emphasizing his importance for the remainder of the season.
Additionally, Hargreaves lauded Noni Madueke, the £50 million winger acquired from Chelsea, for his intelligence and scoring capability. He noted, 'Noni Madueke is a great player – he is a smart player, and he is a goalscorer. His awareness of when to link play short and when to play in behind was terrific.' This praise underscores the value of Arteta's strategic signings in bolstering Arsenal's squad depth.
Quadruple Aspirations and Upcoming Challenges
With the FA Cup victory, Arsenal continue to fight on four fronts, a feat rarely attempted in modern football. Hargreaves tempered expectations slightly, suggesting that winning two trophies would be a satisfactory outcome, but he remains optimistic about their chances. The team's immediate focus shifts to Premier League fixtures, including a match against Wolves and a highly anticipated north London derby against Tottenham, which will test their resilience and title credentials.
As the season reaches its climax, Arsenal's blend of experienced stars and impactful new signings like Eze and Madueke positions them as formidable contenders across all competitions. The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining whether they can translate this potential into historic silverware, fulfilling the high praise from pundits like Hargreaves and Keown.
