Rooney Questions Eze Impact as Arsenal Title Push Continues
There was thunder in north London and not only from the scoreline. Arsenal dismantled Tottenham 4-1 for the second time this season, reaffirming their superiority in the derby and restoring a five point lead over Manchester City in the title race. Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze each struck twice, the latter again tormenting a club that once courted him.
Yet amid the celebration, Wayne Rooney delivered a more measured verdict on Eze’s season. Speaking on his BBC podcast, Rooney offered praise but also pointed critique of Arsenal’s £67.5m summer signing. The comments have cut through the euphoria and reopened debate about Eze’s broader contribution.
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Rooney Appraisal of Eze Form
Rooney did not shy away. “I disagree a bit because I don’t think he’s been good enough this season.
“The two Tottenham games have shined a big light on him but in other games I’ve watched him and not thought he’s been good enough.
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“I think a lot of that is probably through not playing consistently, I get that, but when you talk about mentality and character, if I was him I would be trying to make it very difficult for the manager to leave me out, both with your performances and in training.
“Clearly he’s not doing enough to warrant a place in the team consistently. I get that Martin Odegaard is the captain but you’ve got to make it almost impossible for Mikel Arteta to leave you out.
“After the first Tottenham game I don’t think he did enough to stay in the team so you just hope now for him he plays better consistently to stay in the game.
“I think he needs to perform a little bit better than he has so far this season.”
It is a pointed assessment. Eze has produced his finest displays against Tottenham, five of his six league goals coming against Spurs. In other fixtures, the impact has fluctuated. He was withdrawn at half time in the 1-1 draw with Brentford and then started on the bench in the 2-2 stalemate with Wolves. For a player expected to add incision in tight contests, those moments matter.
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Arsenal Context in Title Race
Arsenal’s title charge remains compelling. Mikel Arteta’s side showed authority and purpose against a Tottenham team in turmoil after Thomas Frank’s departure. Rooney was unsparing in his verdict on Spurs.
“It was a good game, Arsenal obviously showed their class and Tottenham are just not a good team.
“I just don’t think they’re a good team. If you go through their players and the squad, they’re probably where they should be.
“Obviously they’re a big club with a nice, new stadium but I just don’t think the players are good enough to compete at the top end of the Premier League.
“I think Spurs will just be fine, I don’t think they’ll get relegated, but they’re down there right now and they were in a similar situation last season.
“It’s a big worry for them, a big concern for the club whether or not they stay in the Premier League because they’ve gone backwards.”
Arsenal’s superiority was emphatic. The 4-1 margin underlined their depth and direction. Yet Rooney’s remarks about Eze carry weight because they speak to consistency, the currency of champions.
World Cup Implications for Eze
Rooney also questioned Eze’s international prospects.
“I’m not sure Eze will go to the World Cup but he does give you a different option because he can play on the left or in the No. 10.
“Maybe that will be on Eze’s side because those players are so important at a World Cup. In terms of at Arsenal I think Eze is better in the penalty box but Odegaard is better when he’s a bit deeper.
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“He’s very clever and picks up some great positions, his movement is very good, you just want to see a bit more from him in the final third.
“If you could combine the two of them you’d have a great player!”
For Arsenal, the challenge is balance. Eze brings unpredictability and instinct in the penalty area. Odegaard provides orchestration. Arteta must extract both without compromising structure.
As the season narrows towards its decisive weeks, Arsenal will welcome Chelsea next. Tottenham travel to Fulham searching for reassurance. Rooney’s comments have sharpened scrutiny on Eze, but they also highlight the standards Arsenal now inhabit. In a title race defined by fine margins, good may not suffice. Excellence must be habitual.