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Posted on February 24, 2026 9:00 pm | Updated on February 24, 2026 9:03 pm
Arsenal lead the Premier League having secured a huge victory over Tottenham Hotspur 4 goals to 1. However, new star Eberechi Eze does not make everyone happy. Wayne Rooney has been critical of the season of the player, and boss Mikel Arteta reports Eze being upset by his choices of players.
Arsenal’s Strong Win Over Tottenham
Arsenal visited Tottenham on Sunday and emerged the victors in the north London derby 4-1. Eberechi Eze was the first goal scorer and made a second goal. Viktor Gyokeres again made two goals with Arsenal. Declan Rice did a wrong thing allowing Tottenham to score one time but the Gunners remained vigorous and won comfortably.
With this victory, Arsenal was five points ahead of the top of the table. Manchester City still have one match behind them but they are to play Leeds. This victory was a follow-up on some rough performances such as a draw with Wolves that had the team in a dark mood. Mikel Arteta claimed that the players were angry, upset and ashamed but used it to strike back.
That was the fifth goal that Eze has scored in his final two matches against Tottenham. He is even the one who scored a hat-trick against them earlier in the season. His performance was adored by fans, and there is a question mark on his form in other games.
🗣️Wayne Rooney on all the positive comments Eberechi Eze has received following the #Arsenal demolition of Spurs at the weekend: “I disagree a bit because I don’t think Eze’s been good enough this season. The two Tottenham games have shined a big light on him but in other games… pic.twitter.com/JXzn0FfykM
— Arsenal News Channel (@Arsenalnewschan) February 23, 2026
Wayne Rooney Questions Eze’s Mentality
Former England star Wayne Rooney spoke on his BBC podcast, The Wayne Rooney Show. Host Kelly Somers praised Eze for his “mentality” and “character” after the Spurs game. Rooney did not agree.
“I disagree a bit because I don’t think he’s been good enough this season,” Rooney said. “The two Tottenham games have shined a big light on him but in other games I’ve watched him and not thought he’s been good enough.”
Rooney said Eze struggles with consistency. The 27 year old joined Arsenal from Crystal Palace for £67.5 million last summer. It was his boyhood dream move, and he turned down Tottenham. But five of his six Premier League goals this season came only against Tottenham Spurs. In other games, he has gone long periods without scoring or assisting.
Arteta Admits He Upset His Star Player
Mikel Arteta was more positive but honest about Eze. He said the player was upset with some of his decisions before the Spurs game. Arteta could see Eze wanted to prove a point in the derby. “I could see that he wanted to prove something… I start to understand how we’re going to get the best out of him now.”
The manager liked what he saw after the win. “You just have to look at his face and the way he was in the dressing room with a big smile, and his eyes are just expressing everything that you need to,” he said. “He came here for a reason and we need those moments from these players.” Arteta feels he is learning how to use Eberechi Eze better. The player looked happy and ready to fight for his place.
"In other games this season he's not been good enough."
Wayne Rooney says Eberechi Eze needs to show consistency to nail down a regular spot in the Arsenal team. pic.twitter.com/fs4hVFmWMK
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) February 23, 2026
What Next for Eze and Arsenal?
Eze has demonstrated that he can perform in high profile matches more so with Tottenham. But he must do it once a week to retain his position. Martin Odegaard remains the captain and the regular No.10 and thus, Eze will have to work hard during training.
What Rooney says is harsh but it brings out what arsenal require, namely the stable stars. The honesty of Arteta is good management. Eze is talented. He has to demonstrate it on each of the matches.
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