Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright has described Eberechi Eze's performance in the North London derby as "amazing" after the summer signing scored a spectacular hat-trick against Tottenham Hotspur.
Wright's Verdict on Eze's Dream Debut
The Gunners legend, speaking to Premier League productions, expressed his astonishment at Eze's immediate impact in one of football's most fierce rivalries. "When I signed for Arsenal, me and David Rocastle spoke for hours about what it's like to play Tottenham," Wright revealed.
He continued: "I didn't dream of scoring a hat-trick because that would have been too much; just to get one goal in my first game against Spurs would've been great. But for him, with everything he has been through, to score a hat-trick on his north London Derby debut. It is amazing."
Wright emphasised the significance of Eze's achievement, particularly given the scrutiny surrounding his £67.5 million move to the Emirates Stadium. The former Crystal Palace playmaker has been adapting to life at Arsenal while facing questions about his ability to settle properly at a top club.
Arteta's Selection Headache Intensifies
Eze's outstanding display against Spurs has created a significant selection dilemma for manager Mikel Arteta. Initially deployed in a wide role, the English international has flourished in his preferred number ten position, raising questions about club captain Martin Odegaard's place in the starting lineup.
The Norwegian midfielder has struggled with fitness issues this season, while Eze has seized his opportunity with both hands. With five goals and three assists in 18 appearances, the summer signing is beginning to demonstrate he can add consistent numbers to his creative play.
Arteta now faces the challenge of integrating returning attacking players including Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Noni Madueke, while maintaining the team's balance and momentum.
Strategic Transfer Business Pays Dividends
While Liverpool dominated headlines with their transfer window activity, Arsenal were quietly conducting what appears to be exceptionally smart business. The signing of Viktor Gyokeres as a new number nine generated significant excitement, but it's Eze who has emerged as the standout acquisition.
At £67.5 million, Eze represents exceptional value compared to other Premier League deals, particularly when contrasted with Florian Wirtz's £116 million and Alexander Isak's £125 million transfers. Arsenal's approach demonstrates that strategic spending often proves more effective than simply spending more.
The midfield partnership of Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice provides the perfect platform for creative players like Eze to flourish, offering both defensive protection and build-up capability from deep positions.
Wright believes Eze's derby heroics could prove transformative for both player and club. "Especially in this season, the season where question marks are still around him as he settled in properly, he's still trying to find his way in the Arsenal side, and you know, that will just help him," he explained.
The Arsenal legend concluded with title-winning ambitions: "It is the kind of thing he has achieved. I don't think he'll realise till this season's over, hopefully Arsenal would've won the league."
