Eberechi Eze delivered a much better performance in an Arsenal shirt to help the Gunners see off Wigan in the FA Cup.
Eze was handed a start by Mikel Arteta and repaid his manager’s faith by contributing an assist and also very much running the game from midfield.
Eze was partnered in the middle by Christian Norgaard and for a change, Bukayo Saka.
Arsenal fans, what did you honestly think about Bukayo Saka’s performance as a midfielder?
And with Eze impressing, his teammate Norgaard was on hand to sing his praises at full-time, admitting that the England man very much deserves his success.
Christian Norgaard praises Ebere Eze after Arsenal v Wigan
Eze’s career has been one of highs and lows so far in an Arsenal shirt.
He’s had memorable days like his triple against Tottenham while other occasions have seen him turn in dire performances and be hooked at half-time.
Today, though, Eze delivered and according to Norgaard, it’s no more than he deserves.
“We all know what a brilliant player he is, and he’s also shown it in bigger games than this. It’s like a rollercoaster career of a player,” Norgaard said.
“There will be ups and downs but the most amazing thing with Ebbs is that he stays level no matter the praise, criticism and he keeps grinding he keeps working hard every day he’s such a humble guy so he’s one of them.
“He’s managing to do that. So he makes it look effortless. He’s really good at shutting down whatever’s been said about him outside the training ground and our changing room. So credit to him. I know it’s not easy, but he makes it look easy.”
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Could Bukayo Saka’s move to midfield be the kick Eze needs?
Eze was certainly far better in this game than he has been and he seemed to be making a point of showing his class.
However, reading between the lines of the eventual team selection, some would argue that moving Bukayo Saka to the midfield actually puts more pressure on Eze to perform consistently.
It’s effectively Mikel Arteta showing Eze that he has more than a number of options in that area and that ultimately, those who are selected have to deliver.
Agree or disagree, Noni Madueke is showing that he could keep Bukayo Saka out of Arsenal’s starting XI.
How good was Noni vs Wigan 👏
With Martin Odegaard and Martin Zubimendi both likely to come back in, as well as Declan Rice, Arsenal’s central midfield area is very strong indeed.
Eze, then, needs to keep upping his level if he’s to keep getting minutes.
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