Gary Neville thinks he’s seen ‘low blow’ to Tottenham from Eberechi Eze live at Arsenal
Gary Neville thought Eberechi Eze might have thrown a dig at Tottenham after being unveiled as an Arsenal player, as he joked live on air.
The 27-year-old arrived from Crystal Palace on a £67.5million deal [Sky Sports] earlier this month, much to the frustrations of Thomas Frank and Daniel Levy after believing he was Spurs-bound.
However, it became quite clear that Arsenal was always Eze’s dream, even as a teenager, having been let go by the academy at a young age, and supporters were buzzing to see him walk out before kick-off.
After the pre-game dramatics, the England international was seated in the stands, watching on ahead of his potential debut against Liverpool at Anfield next weekend.
When the cameras zoomed in on Eze, Neville thought he had spotted a hilarious moment, and a dig at Spurs, as he read out what he believed the new signing’s shirt read on the front.
Eberechi Eze arrives at Arsenal after Tottenham are hijacked
Speaking live on Sky Sports Main Event (23 August, 5:37pm), Neville spotted Eze in the crowd, laughing as he questioned what it said on his shirt: “Does that say Spurs? That’s a low blow”.
Rob Hawthorne responded: “That’s rubbing their noses in it after they tried to sign him and got gazumped,” though it became clear that the shirt had “spirit” written on it.
The moment caught on television could have created another huge reason for the rivalry between the Gunners and Spurs, but it was quickly distinguished by fans watching on.
Daniel Levy and Thomas Frank handed fresh blow in North London
Football Insider verdict
Eze would have been an incredible signing for the Lilywhites, and also a much-needed one following James Maddison‘s season-ending injury during pre-season.
Alas, Spurs are back in the transfer market, searching for an ideal alternative to the former Palace star, and Como’s Nico Paz has already been tipped as an alternative for Thomas Frank.
Levy has splashed far more cash than expected, signing the likes of Mohammed Kudus and Mathys Tel permanently, as well as Joao Palhinha on loan, but supporters want more before 1 September.
Man City’s Savinho has been tipped for a move to Tottenham, and he would offer a lot of support out wide, though that is really where Spurs thrive at the moment.
Frank has certainly won over a lot of supporters following their shock win over the Citizens on Saturday, 23 August, but that could just be yet another high for the club, before a huge low.
As for now, the Lilywhites sit atop the Premier League table after the first two games, and the new manager could not have done much more to persuade the uncertain fans.