Freddie Ljungberg Delivers Clear Message to Mikel Arteta After Arsenal's Derby Triumph
Arsenal icon Freddie Ljungberg has publicly questioned Mikel Arteta's management of midfielder Eberechi Eze, urging the Gunners boss to grant the playmaker more regular starting roles following a dominant 4-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur. The emphatic North London Derby win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium saw Arsenal extend their lead at the Premier League summit to five points over Manchester City with just ten matches remaining this season.
Eze Shines Bright in North London Derby Display
The England international, who joined Arsenal from Crystal Palace last summer for £67.5 million, delivered another memorable performance against Spurs, continuing his remarkable scoring record in this fixture. Eze broke the deadlock late in the first half, only for Randal Kolo Muani to equalize for Tottenham just two minutes later. However, Arsenal restored their advantage immediately after halftime through Viktor Gyokeres before Eze capitalized on defensive errors to extend the lead on the hour mark.
Gyokeres completed his brace in the fourth minute of stoppage time to seal a comprehensive victory that leaves Tottenham hovering just four points above the relegation zone ahead of their upcoming match against Fulham. Arsenal now prepare for a crucial home fixture against Chelsea next week as they continue their pursuit of the Premier League title.
Ljungberg's Direct Appeal to Arteta
Speaking on Viaplay's punditry panel alongside fellow Premier League legends Peter Schmeichel and Jaap Stam, Ljungberg was unequivocal in his assessment of Eze's importance to Arsenal's title challenge. "He's so ingrained from being at Palace, you have to always create something: you have a chance, you have to make something," Ljungberg explained. "He does that here and I think they should use him more than they do."
Schmeichel echoed these sentiments, praising Eze's elegant playing style: "He's such an elegant player. He's actually a really beautiful player to watch. Arsenal haven't got many of those players, but him, it's brilliant when he's on that kind of form."
Arteta's Response to Eze's Performance
Mikel Arteta expressed his satisfaction with Eze's contribution to the derby victory, highlighting the midfielder's growing adaptation to Arsenal's system. "He had that belief and I'm really happy with him," Arteta stated. "He's really trying to mold and adapt into what we want from him."
The Arsenal manager also emphasized the significance of the statement victory: "I'm really happy, really proud about how we approached the game. The initiative and the quality we showed to come here and win the game in the way that we did. This is the Premier League, it will go all the way for sure. Ten games in the Premier League is a long way."
Eze's Remarkable Record Against Tottenham
Statistical analysis reveals Eze's extraordinary productivity against Arsenal's North London rivals. The midfielder has now scored five of his six Premier League goals this season against Tottenham, including a hat-trick in the reverse fixture at the Emirates Stadium three months prior. This consistent threat in derby matches underscores his potential value to Arsenal's title aspirations.
Former Manchester United defender Jaap Stam highlighted the tactical problems Eze creates for opponents: "It must be a nightmare to play against him. If you see him move, he's taking up great positions and he's so comfortable on the ball. He knows what to do and he also has a clear understanding of what his teammates are doing as well."
Title Race Implications and Looking Ahead
The comprehensive victory has significantly boosted Arsenal's championship credentials, easing pressure that had built following recent inconsistent results. The Gunners demonstrated both resilience and attacking potency against Tottenham, qualities that will be essential during the final ten matches of the season.
With the Premier League title race expected to remain intensely competitive until the final matchday, Arteta's selection decisions regarding key players like Eberechi Eze could prove decisive. Ljungberg's public endorsement adds further weight to the growing consensus that Eze deserves increased opportunities as Arsenal pursue their first league title in over two decades.
