Arsenal have significantly boosted their Premier League title ambitions after a stunning hat-trick from summer signing Eberechi Eze inspired a 4-1 victory over rivals Tottenham in a fiery north London derby.
The emphatic win at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, coupled with surprise defeats for both Liverpool and Manchester City, allowed Mikel Arteta's side to extend their lead at the top of the table.
Merino's Verdict on a 'Complete' Player
Teammate Mikel Merino was full of praise for the match-winner, describing Eze as a 'very complete' player who has seamlessly integrated into the squad. The former Crystal Palace attacker had only scored twice for his new club in his first 15 appearances before his explosive performance against Spurs.
"I think he is very complete. He can dribble, he can pass the ball," Merino reflected. "He is also mentality-driven to passing the ball and sharing the game but at the same time he can dribble and is very strong. He can shoot and is really complete. An amazing signing."
Merino also highlighted Eze's immediate impact off the pitch, noting his calm and confident demeanour. The pair have built a rapport during morning sessions in the training ground sauna, with Merino confirming the England international is 'already very integrated within the team.'
A Hijack That Paid Dividends
Eze's transfer to Arsenal was a dramatic late-summer saga. Tottenham had been close to securing his signature from Crystal Palace in August, only for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to execute a major hijack of the deal.
That decisive move now looks like a masterstroke. Merino, who has been playing in a makeshift forward role, always believed Eze's quality would shine through despite the slow start in front of goal.
"We have signed so many players who can be a difference," Merino said, referencing other summer arrivals like Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi. "Everyone judges players in terms of goals and assists – numbers. It is what it is, but as football players we know that he is providing the team with a lot of quality."
He added: "In training sessions, you know how good he is. So yes, goals came but he is an unbelievable player and we are really, really lucky to have him. He can play in different positions and adapt to different styles. It was a massive signing for Arsenal."
Focus Shifts to Crucial Upcoming Fixtures
There is little time for Arsenal to celebrate this significant derby win. The squad must immediately regroup for a Champions League clash against Bayern Munich at the Emirates on Wednesday.
This is swiftly followed by another critical London derby, this time away at second-placed Chelsea on Saturday, in a match that could have major implications for the title race.
"It is great and it gives us a lot of confidence, but we had it before the game," Merino acknowledged, keen to keep feet on the ground. "We know how good we are as a team. We know as well it is going to be a long, long season and every game is going to be really important. Now we are already thinking about Bayern."
