Eberechi Eze’s pivotal play propels Arsenal into UCL quarterfinals.
LONDON — Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised Eberechi Eze’s capacity to produce “magical moments” and noted that his spectacular goal against Bayer Leverkusen exemplified precisely why he was acquired during the summer.
Arteta’s team triumphed over Leverkusen 2-0 on the evening, securing a 3-1 aggregate victory to set up a Champions League quarterfinal matchup with Sporting CP. Eze initiated the scoring for Arsenal with a remarkable goal in the 36th minute, followed by Declan Rice adding another impressive strike in the second half.
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It was an almost flawless evening for Arsenal as they advanced in the tournament, with post-match discussions centered on Eze. He transferred to Arsenal from Crystal Palace for £67.5m in August and has recorded nine goals and six assists in 43 appearances this season.
On Tuesday night, Eze achieved the breakthrough with his inaugural Champions League goal. It was a breathtaking shot. After Arsenal had relentlessly tested the Leverkusen goal with various attempts, Eze collected the ball at the edge of the box, set it up for himself, and then struck a half-volley into the net to give Arsenal the advantage.
“We started the game very well,” Arteta remarked. “Their goalkeeper kept them in the match, and we required a magical moment from Ebs.”
“He’s playing every three days — he has rhythm and synergy with his teammates. Particularly, he’s contributing significantly, both with and without the ball, and in the spaces he occupies, the intent on the ball, and that’s the reason he’s here to generate those types of moments.”
Arteta indicated that Eze’s impressive performance stems from an increasing rapport and understanding with his teammates, as well as the staff and players gaining a better grasp of Eze’s style of play.
“When you initiate a good game and effective actions that secure the win, it boosts your confidence, and that’s what every player requires,” Arteta commented regarding Eze. “If I compare the minutes he’s played throughout his career, he’s much higher now than in any previous season; that’s the consistency he’s demonstrating, he’s fit. He has plenty of minutes in him, but he’s managing the pressure, the situation, and expectations exceptionally well.”
Arteta commended Rice’s performance as “immense” as the player copes with a demanding fixture schedule while Arsenal competes in four tournaments.
“I’m exhausted; it’s non-stop,” Rice stated on TNT Sports. “We’re still in all competitions, so it’s been every three days since October. We manage it as best we can, but it’s challenging. We find ways to win, and everything is positive. Everyone asks where I derive my energy from. I just experience this second wind of energy.”
Regarding Eze, Rice remarked: “There aren’t many players I’ve seen who can strike the ball like him. We need to involve him more in the game.”
As for Eze himself, he quickly shifted focus to Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Manchester City, as Arsenal aims to conclude their six-year trophy drought.
“We understand that at this stage, it doesn’t matter who you face; it’s going to be tough and challenging,” Eze said on TNT. “But we have a match on Sunday, so it will be beneficial to prepare.”
“We aspire to perform well and secure those trophies; it’s been our objective since the beginning of the season. We’ll continue to strive and work hard, but, God willing, it will come to fruition.”
