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Mikel Arteta says what he really thought of Eberechi Eze’s performance for Arsenal v Wigan

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Eberechi Eze was back in the starting XI and back to somewhere near his best as Arsenal saw off Wigan to reach the FA Cup 5th round.

Arsenal progressed to the next round with ease as four first half goals ensured there would be no dream day for Wigan.

One of the key contributors to the performance was Eze. Popped into the midfield with Christian Norgaard and Bukayo Saka, the England man looked a class above at times.

Arsenal fans, what did you honestly think about Bukayo Saka’s performance as a midfielder?

Bukayo Saka passes the ball during Arsenal vs Wigan in the FA Cup
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

And speaking about Eze after the game, Mikel Arteta was full of praise for his big money signing.

Mikel Arteta praises Ebere Eze as Arsenal hammer Wigan

Arsenal fans have wanted to see this sort of performance from Ebere Eze for some time now and while it was against lower league opposition, it was still needed.

Between now and the end of the season, Eze will be asked to have big moments for the Gunners.

And according to Mikel Arteta, Eze will be getting those chances.

“Yes, some superb balls and his intentions, I think the risk that he took in the final third, the amount of shots that he tried to take as well, I think that’s really positive. That’s what we want from him,” Arteta said.

“Yes, some superb balls and his intentions, I think the risk that he took in the final third, the amount of shots that he tried to take as well, I think that’s really positive. That’s what we want from him.”

Arsenal v Wigan Athletic - Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round
Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images

Asked about Eze’s confidence in general and the role he has to play going into the next few months, Arteta admitted there’s more to come.

“He’s already playing a big role, he’s played a lot of games for us and he will continue to do that.

“That’s what those players need, those moments and especially when we talk about the creative players, they need to feel that they are producing those moments and I’m very happy with that, very happy with Gabi as well, the run that he made, the timing of that and then the finish in action, really, really positive. So it’s good for the mood, for the confidence, it’s a really good thing.”

It’s time for Ebere Eze to show why he cost the big bucks

Maverick type players like Eze can often be inconsistent but when it comes down to it, Arsenal splashed out huge money for him and now is the time to deliver.

There is absolutely no denying that Eze has the talent to deliver for Arsenal. Now is the time he needs to show it.

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 👏

A graphic showing Noni Madueke's stats for Arsenal against Wigan.
Credit: Getty Images/Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC

Like others signed in the summer, Eze was brought in to ensure Arsenal got over the line and finally won that league title they have been chasing.

Today against Wigan was a start and he has to keep this level up.

If he does, then Arsenal will have got their money’s worth and come May, Eze will be a Premier League winner.