Eberchi Eze’s Arsenal career so far has been defined by moments rather than consistent performances. To date, he has scored eight goals since making his dream move in the summer, of which five came in north London derbies, thoroughly enjoying facing Tottenham. Now, are Gooners around the world about to expire the “Spring Eze” for the first time?
Well, on Saturday, Eze was the match-winner as Mikel Arteta’s side battled to a 2-1 victory over Mansfield Town at Field Mill in the FA Cup. This continues his exceptional form in spring, producing significantly more in front of goal in March, April and May:
Eberechi Eze goals and assists in spring (2022-present)
|
Statistics |
Èze (August-February) |
Èze (March-May) |
|---|---|---|
|
Appearances |
122 |
50 |
|
Goals |
21 |
23 |
|
Assists |
20 |
8 |
Surprisingly, in the last four years, 23 of the Eze club’s 44 goals (52%) were scored in March, April or May. This despite the fact that he only has 50 appearances in these months, compared to 122 between August and February.
During his time at Crystal Palace, Eze had a tendency to finish campaigns strongly. In 2023, he scored six goals in his last nine Premier League games, before scoring five goals in his last six appearances a year later. Last season he took this form to new heights. The England international scored six goals in the Eagles’ last eight league games, as well as scoring in the FA Cup quarter-finals, semi-finals and final itself, the winning match against Manchester City at Wembley in May.
As he crossed London, Palace supporters quipped: “Wait until the sun comes up and you’ll see a different Eze.” Well, that prophecy may be coming true. So can he become a key contributor to Arteta’s team?
Well, with Martin Ødegaard and Mikel Merino sidelined, while Kai Havertz continues to regain fitness, Eze will remain a central figure, both literally and figuratively. He is likely to start Wednesday night’s Champions League round of 16 match against Bayer Leverkusen behind Viktor Gyökeres, after the duo were lethal against Tottenham recently.
Well, the big games keep coming, because on Saturday it’s Everton, the second leg at home against the Werkself in midweek and then the small matter of the EFL Cup final against Man City. As already mentioned, Eze has some history when it comes to scoring against the Sky Blues in the Wembley finals. Therefore, Arteta and all Arsenal fans around the world will hope that Eze’s spring phenomenon continues.