Eberechi Eze’s goal against Port Vale played a key role in securing Arsenal’s 2-0 win in the third round of the EFL Cup on Wednesday, September 24. Leandro Trossard scored the other goal as the Gunners won the match with ease in the end.
Eze made a start for the Gunners, after a lot of debate over whether he should have done so in the 1-1 draw against Manchester City in the Premier League last weekend as well. It was also Eze’s first Arsenal goal, and he already has a couple of assists for them this season.
Eberechi Eze’s Goal Against Port Vale Showed His Importance in the Team in the Absence of Martin Odegaard
Odegaard is currently injured, and as a result, Eze has played as the No. 10 for the club in their last few matches. He has been a solid replacement for the Norwegian, proving to be a worthy season.
Eze can also play on the left flank, as Arsenal have an abundance of riches in that position. As Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard are also capable of playing there, Eze should look to assert his position as the playmaker of the team at the centre of the pitch.
His ability to find his teammates with accurate passes is a great asset for the team to have. Like most quality ball-players, Eze always seems to have that extra bit of time on the ball. This is a quality usually found in all top playmakers, and the Gunners’ supporters will hope that a healthy competition is there between Eze and Odegaard for a place in the playing XI.
Eze is an England international as well, and with the multiple options the Three Lions have as their No. 1,0 like Cole Palmer and Jude Bellingham, it will not be easy for him to break into the playing XI.
Having a great season for the Gunners thus becomes imperative for the 27-year-old midfielder in order to impress Thomas Tuchel, the manager of the English national team. Eze’s first Arsenal goal comes at a good time then, with the second international break of the season coming soon.
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Eze Vital to Arsenal’s Aspirations of Winning a Trophy
Arsenal last won a trophy back in 2020 and are yet to win the Premier League title under Mikel Arteta, despite coming very close on a number of occasions. Eze’s form is going to be critical in shaping Arsenal’s fortunes this season.
With robust midfielders like Declan Rice and Mikel Merino in their team, the Gunners will need Eze and Odegaard to provide the creative spark, those crucial final passes that can lead to a goal. With a prolific goal-scorer, Viktor Gyokeres, upfront, Arsenal will need Eze to be at his best for delivering the ball to the Swedish striker in key areas of the final third.
Eze’s goal against Port Vale was a statement. At the moment, there are now too many playmakers in the Premier League who are better than Eze. The fact that Arsenal have two of the best No. 10s in the league in their ranks, solidifies their status as one of the leading contenders for the title.
However, the Gunners have been pipped in the post far too often in the past to be confident of winning the league title this time around.
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Credit: IMAGO / Focus Images
Recording Date: 24.09.2025