Gary Lineker has named Eberechi Eze as the key player for Arsenal as they push for the Premier League title and Champions League glory. The £60m summer signing scored the winner in a 1-0 victory over Newcastle United on Saturday, putting Arsenal back on top of the table.
Lineker praises Eze's composure
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Lineker highlighted Eze's relaxed demeanor both on and off the pitch. 'You have to give Eberechi Eze a lot of credit because that was a gorgeous finish,' he said. 'I saw his post-match interview and he's so relaxed. And you just think to yourself, maybe put him in charge of this! In that interview he just said, “no, I’m not nervous, I just love playing football, it’s great and I want to be in this position”. That is absolutely the right attitude.'
Lineker suggested that Eze's calmness could benefit the entire squad during the tense run-in. 'I still think Arsenal look so edgy, they need more players like Eberechi Eze. I said early on in the game that the one person who looks really relaxed at the moment is Eze. Maybe he should take the team talks over the next few weeks.'
Shearer echoes concerns
Newcastle legend Alan Shearer also noticed Arsenal's nervousness, stating that the Gunners were 'there for the taking' at St. James' Park. 'If only the rest of his teammates felt like that because there’s no way they’re feeling as relaxed as he is,' Shearer said. 'Newcastle should have got something out of that game. Arsenal were there for the taking.'
Shearer added: 'Strangely, I watched the Arsenal game last week against Man City and I watched the Arsenal game against Newcastle and I was more hopeful of them winning the league after losing last week than I was after watching them win on Saturday. Just because of how nervy and edgy they were against Newcastle, a team that were in rotten form.'
Champions League focus
Arsenal now turn their attention to the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night. European champions PSG face Bayern Munich in the other semi-final. With both domestic and European trophies still within reach, Arteta will hope his side can channel Eze's calm confidence in the decisive weeks ahead.
