SBOTOP : Inside Eberechi Eze’s Dramatic Transformation at Arsenal

Eberechi Eze’s first season at Arsenal has been anything but ordinary. Signed for £67.5 million from Crystal Palace in the summer of 2025, the 27-year-old arrived at the Emirates Stadium carrying both expectation and intrigue. After turning down interest from Tottenham Hotspur to join Mikel Arteta’s project, Eze quickly became one of the most talked-about transfers of the Premier League season.

While his campaign has not been defined by steady consistency, it has certainly been marked by dramatic moments — especially against Spurs. Behind the fluctuating statistics, however, lies a deeper story of tactical adaptation, personal growth, and a significant transformation under Arteta’s guidance.

A High-Profile Transfer to Arsenal

When Arsenal secured Eberechi Eze’s signature, it signaled ambition. The Gunners were investing not only in a technically gifted attacking midfielder but in a player entering his prime years. The transfer fee reflected Arsenal’s belief in his creative ability, dribbling flair, and capacity to unlock compact defenses.

The added narrative of Eze rejecting Tottenham to move to North London intensified the spotlight. Supporters immediately anticipated decisive performances in the North London Derby — and Eze did not disappoint.

However, adapting to Arsenal’s structured and possession-heavy system proved more complex than simply showcasing individual brilliance. The early months of his Arsenal career were a blend of promise and frustration, as he searched for rhythm in a highly demanding tactical framework.

Derby Heroics Against Tottenham

If there is one stage where Eze has looked entirely at home, it is against Tottenham. In November’s North London Derby at the Emirates Stadium, he delivered a sensational hat-trick performance that electrified Arsenal supporters and justified the club’s investment.

He followed that display with another statement performance at Tottenham’s home ground, scoring twice in a dominant 4-1 victory last weekend. Across two derby matches, Eze directly contributed five goals — a remarkable return that cemented his status as a fan favorite.

Yet, between those explosive outings, the statistics reveal a contrasting narrative. There was a period during which Eze failed to register a single shot on target in the Premier League. The gap between brilliance and quiet spells highlighted the core challenge of his debut season: consistency.

Mikel Arteta on Eze’s Development

Despite the fluctuating numbers, Mikel Arteta has consistently emphasized the broader evolution in Eze’s game. Speaking about the midfielder’s progress, the Arsenal manager stressed that transformation cannot be measured solely by goals and assists.

“To understand him, you have to look at his connections with other players,” Arteta explained. “Which spaces he feels most comfortable exploring, and what combinations we can build around him.”

According to the Spanish coach, Eze has undergone significant behavioral and tactical changes. These adjustments may not always produce immediate statistical rewards, but they represent long-term growth within Arsenal’s system.

“There are things he has changed drastically, and they are very positive,” Arteta noted. “You might not see the results in one or two weeks, but the process is happening.”

This insight suggests that Arsenal’s coaching staff view Eze’s transformation as structural rather than superficial — a shift in understanding space, timing, and collective movement rather than isolated moments of flair.

Tactical Adjustments and Positional Flexibility

One of the defining aspects of Eberechi Eze’s season at Arsenal has been positional fluidity. Arteta has deployed him in multiple roles across the attacking third, from central playmaker to advanced left-sided creator.

These tactical adjustments were designed to maximize Eze’s strengths while refining areas of improvement. Encouragingly for Arsenal, his response to each positional tweak has been positive.

“His role has changed several times, and his reaction has always been very good,” Arteta said. “The challenge now is maintaining consistency after performing well, because that’s what we need.”

The emphasis on consistency underscores Arsenal’s ambitions. The Gunners are competing at the highest level domestically and in Europe, and reliable performance week after week is essential. Eze’s flashes of brilliance suggest immense potential; sustaining that level remains the next step.

Balancing Flair with Discipline

At Crystal Palace, Eze often operated with greater creative freedom. At Arsenal, the tactical demands are more intricate. Defensive responsibilities, pressing triggers, and positional discipline form a critical part of Arteta’s blueprint.

Adapting to these demands required sacrifice and maturity. Observers have noted improvements in Eze’s off-ball work and defensive tracking — subtle yet crucial developments that may not headline match reports but significantly impact team balance.

His growing understanding of spatial occupation has also enhanced Arsenal’s attacking structure. By drifting into pockets between midfield and defense, Eze creates overloads that allow teammates to exploit wider channels.

Such evolution reflects not only technical refinement but a mental shift — an awareness of how to influence games beyond individual dribbling sequences.

Conclusion: A Transformation Still in Progress

Eberechi Eze’s first season at Arsenal has been defined by contrasts: explosive derby performances against Tottenham and quieter stretches in the Premier League; moments of individual magic and periods of tactical recalibration.

Yet beneath the surface lies a compelling narrative of transformation. Under Mikel Arteta’s guidance, Eze has adapted his game, embraced positional flexibility, and developed a deeper understanding of Arsenal’s collective structure.

Consistency remains the ultimate challenge. If he can align his tactical growth with sustained end-product, Arsenal may soon witness the full explosion of his talent. The foundations are firmly in place, confidence is building, and the trajectory is upward.

For now, the story behind Eberechi Eze’s dramatic transformation at Arsenal is still being written — but all signs suggest that his most influential chapters are yet to come.