Eberechi Eze with Oliver Glasner
Image credit: Getty Images
Eberechi Eze is preparing for an emotional reunion this weekend as he faces his former club Crystal Palace for the first time since joining Arsenal, with the two sides set to meet in the Premier League on Sunday.
The 27-year-old attacking midfielder sealed a £67.5 million move from Palace to Arsenal in August, returning to the club where he spent time as a youth player. However, despite flashes of his undeniable quality, Eze is yet to fully settle into life at the Emirates.
So far, the England international has registered three assists in 12 appearances across all competitions, including one in Arsenal’s 4-0 Champions League demolition of Atletico Madrid earlier this week. His only goal for the club came in the Carabao Cup win over Port Vale, and while his performances have been solid, expectations remain high for a player of his talent and price tag.
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Meanwhile, Crystal Palace have continued to flourish under Oliver Glasner despite losing both Eze and Michael Olise over the summer. The Eagles have suffered only one defeat in eight league outings, and their attacking play has been among the most impressive in the division.
Speaking ahead of the Arsenal clash, Glasner was quick to praise Eze but also pointed out that his team have evolved impressively without him.
Eberechi Eze training
Eberechi Eze (Image credit: Getty Images)
“Sometimes, especially after such an emotional game or such a disappointing defeat, it’s good to look at the facts,” Glasner told reporters in his pre-match press conference.
“I always look at the stats and we have the highest xG in the Premier League. Crystal Palace, after selling Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze and bringing in Yeremy Pino and Ismaila Sarr, have the highest xG in the whole Premier League in front of City, Arsenal, Liverpool, and all these teams.
“This is a credit to the team, not to the individuals. The whole team. It just shows how much effort the team put in every single game. Yes, of course, everybody who likes Crystal Palace would like to have Michael and Ebs still in the squad. But on the other side, it shows that we can also create enough chances to score goals.”
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Despite Palace’s creative edge, their lack of clinical finishing has been costly, highlighted in their shock 1-0 home loss to Cypriot side AEK Larnaca in the Conference League, a match they dominated but failed to convert their chances.
That inefficiency in front of goal is where Eze’s influence might still be missed. Last season, the midfielder scored 14 goals for Palace, including the decisive strike in the FA Cup final, often turning tight games in his team’s favour.
“In Eberechi, we lost a player who could decide games on his own with one situation,” Glasner added. “We lost a fantastic player and an even more fantastic person. Looking forward to seeing him, but no friendship during the game.”
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