Mikel Arteta has revealed that Eberechi Eze was 'upset' with him before producing a match-winning display in Arsenal's 4-1 victory over Tottenham in the north London derby. The 27-year-old scored twice, taking his tally to five goals in two derbies this season, and now has eight goals in his last five appearances against Spurs.
Eze, a boyhood Arsenal fan, started on the bench in Wednesday's draw with Wolves, with Arteta preferring Bukayo Saka in the No10 role. The Arsenal manager sensed the forward was keen to prove a point. 'He was upset, even with me, because I didn't play him the other day from the beginning,' Arteta said. 'I could see that he wanted to prove something.'
Since joining Arsenal last summer, Eze has scored five of his six Premier League goals against Tottenham. Only Robert Pires and Emmanuel Adebayor have scored more against Spurs for the club in the Premier League. Arteta noted the significance: 'He came here for a reason and we need those moments from these players.'
Arteta also reflected on the team's response after the frustrating draw with Wolves, admitting the squad felt 'angry, upset, ashamed'. However, he praised their character in turning those dropped points into a statement victory. 'When you are disappointed about what you've done in your job, you don't feel that way. It's much bigger than that,' he said.
