Mikel Arteta says more to come from Eberechi Eze after he opens Arsenal account
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Arsenal's Eberechi Eze celebrates scoring their first goal.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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LONDON – Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is excited by what Eberechi Eze can bring to his team, as he watched the attacking midfielder score his first goal for the club on Sept 24.
The Gunners beat Port Vale 2-0 away to reach the League Cup fourth round, alongside Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United.
“He played very centrally against a (super compact) team, it’s not easy to find spaces, but he’s very capable with the ball,” said Arteta of Eze.
“You’ve seen that in three or four actions that he’s completely through, and playing people through. He still needs a little more time with those guys to understand the timings, especially the things that he needs to do. Then actions like that will be more consistent and better for us.
“In general, very good – there is still a lot more to give, I think.”
The Arsenal boss was able to exhibit the strength in depth of his squad as Eze, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli were among the nine changes from last weekend’s 1-1 league draw against City.
Eze has made an impressive start after his August move from Crystal Palace that could be worth up to £67.5 million (S$117 million). The England international slotted in from Myles Lewis-Skelly’s flick to give Arsenal the perfect start after just eight minutes.
“I’ve been waiting to score for this club for a long time and the first is very special,” said Eze, who was released by Arsenal as a teen.
Leandro Trossard then finally killed the tie off with a powerful and precise finish four minutes from time.
Arsenal will host Brighton & Hove Albion in the next round.
“A tough one. At least we’re at home, so that’s always a positive thing. But we know they are a top side and it will be a difficult night,” added Arteta.
Phil Foden was City’s key man with a goal and assist as they beat Huddersfield Town 2-0.
He has shown signs in recent weeks of rediscovering the form that made him the English Premier League Player of the Season in 2023-24. The England midfielder arrowed in a low drive to give the visitors the lead after 18 minutes.
Erling Haaland was among those given the night off as Pep Guardiola made nine changes.
The Norwegian’s lethal finishing was missed as City had to wait until 16 minutes from time to make the tie safe when Savinho blasted in Foden’s pass from a narrow angle.
City’s reward is a trip to second-tier Swansea City in the last 16.
Holders Newcastle will face Tottenham in the next round after both cruised against third-tier opposition.
Joelinton and William Osula both struck twice as Newcastle beat League One leaders Bradford City 4-1.
Tottenham also got the job done inside the opening 20 minutes in a 3-0 victory over Doncaster Rovers.
Premier League champions Liverpool will take on FA Cup winners Crystal Palace in the other standout fourth-round tie.
Chelsea travel to Wolverhampton Wanderers, while Fulham visit Wycombe Wanderers.
League Two team Grimsby Town, who shocked Manchester United in the second round, edged out second-tier Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 away and will fancy their chances of reaching the quarter-finals, after earning a home tie against Premier League strugglers Brentford.
Wrexham’s reward for reaching the fourth round for the first time since 1977-78 is an all-Welsh clash against Cardiff City. AFP
