He cried when Arsenal released him, now he could cost Mikel Arteta two trophies this season

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal have a busy week ahead of them, putting behind the disappointment of a draw against Everton, taking on Crystal Palace twice in just a few days.

It could be a huge run of matches for Mikel Arteta, who is coming under increasing pressure to deliver something for the Gunners.

In the EFL Cup, a quarter-final clash with the Eagles offers a chance to reach the final four of the competition and an opportunity to win some silverware.

Meanwhile, another match against Palace over the weekend in the Premier League gives Arsenal another chance to return to winning ways in the division.

There are a few familiar faces in the Crystal Palace ranks, with Eddie Nketiah returning to Arsenal as one of those who recently left the club.

Along with the striker is another who came through the Hale End academy ranks, though he was released much earlier than the striker.

• READ MORE: Theo Walcott snubs ‘hero’ Thierry Henry and picks ex-Arsenal star who fans hate in his best XI

Eberechi Eze’s Arsenal academy release

Over the years, there have been plenty of stars who have made their way through the Arsenal academy but haven’t quite made it to the senior level, only going on to have success elsewhere.

That is certainly the story of Crystal Palace talisman Eberechi Eze, who has taken the Premier League by storm in recent seasons.

At 13, the forward was released by Arsenal, going on to make a name for himself at QPR in the Championship.

An impressive few years with the Super Hoops saw him picked up by Crystal Palace in 2020, where he has developed into an impressive player.

It could’ve been very different, had the Gunners kept hold of him, which the 26-year-old discussed in an interview back in 2020.

Speaking to The Independent, Eze said: “I was 13 [when released by Arsenal]. That was the worst one.

“I remember crying in my room for a solid week, my mum telling me that it’s going to be OK but not being able to get over it.

“Then I went to Fulham and I was finally starting to enjoy my football again. We played Arsenal a few months later but, when I went over to shake the academy manager’s hand, I started welling up. All the feelings came back.”

It was clearly a moment that impacted Eze, but has played a huge part in him becoming the player he is today.

Should he manage to haunt Arsenal, it could well cost the side their chances at the EFL Cup as well as the Premier League title this season.

That may only pump up the pressure on Arteta, with the need to deliver becoming clearer and clearer every week.

• READ MORE: Roy Keane gives verdict on Marcus Rashford transfer amid Arsenal links with one clear message

Eberechi Eze’s record against Arsenal

While there may be some fear that Eze could come back to haunt Arsenal, his record against the club isn’t all that positive.

Since moving to Crystal Palace, the forward has faced the Gunners five times in his career and has yet to win one.

With one draw and four defeats, along with no goals or assists, Eze will be looking to turn that around in his favour.

As two big games await for the star man, who has just four goals across all competitions this season, Eze will be looking to pick up some form with output and wins for the side.

It remains to be seen if he can do just that, but he will be the key player to stop if there are hopes to deny Crystal Palace.