Kieran Gibbs shares what ‘world-class’ Eberechi Eze did that was ‘unique’ in Arsenal win vs Wigan
Ex-Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs was enthralled by Eberechi Eze’s contribution to Noni Madueke’s opener against Wigan Athletic on Sunday.
The Gunners saw off their League One opposition 4-0 to progress to the fifth round of the FA Cup, with Eze earning plaudits for his performance.
The midfielder assisted both of Arsenal‘s opening goals, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring the second before Jack Hunt’s own goal and Gabriel Jesus’ chipped finish capped off the scoring.
Eze has taken plenty of criticism for his performances recently, with the midfielder failing to leave an impression in his 45 minutes on the pitch against Brentford on Thursday.
Arsenal took the lead when the England international had been replaced by Martin Odegaard, but ultimately dropped two points.
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Kieran Gibbs waxes lyrical at Eberechi Eze moment
Eze’s quality has never been in doubt, but there is a suspicion that the 27-year-old has struggled to deal with the adaptation so far at Arsenal.
Of course, he has already shown what he can do in the Premier League during his years with Crystal Palace, but the Gunners are not played against in the same way that Eze is used to.
Naturally, teams throughout the league would fancy themselves to give the Eagles a game, committing bodies forward and leaving space.
| Eberechi Eze | vs Wigan Athletic |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Accurate passes | 46/50 |
| Shots | 6 |
| Tackles | 3 |
| Was fouled | 1 |
The sight Arsenal are often faced with, however, is completely different. Arteta’s team would need only one hand to count the number of games in which they have not played against a deep-set defence this season.
And for good reason. The Premier League leaders have countless players capable of doing significant damage in behind, and it only makes sense to protect against that.
Wigan provided a perfect example when they left Eze with space to find runners in behind on Sunday.
On two occasions in the first half, the England international picked out sensational through balls, which sliced the Wigan team apart and ended in goals.
Speaking to ESPN on Sunday, Gibbs said: “It doesn’t matter what level of the game, that is a world-class pass. Madueke doesn’t even have to take a touch.
“But what I love is the way he beats his man in the middle of the park. That’s very unique, when you can have a player who does that, it really can just open up the game.
“That’s what I enjoy most about his game, that he can open it up at the drop of a hat, and that’s what we want to see more of, week in, week out. That’s what he’s there for and that’s the quality he has.”
- Read more: We need to have a serious conversation about Eberechi Eze – Mikel Arteta has reason not to rate him
What Mikel Arteta said about Eze
It has been suggested on several occasions this season that Arteta is not convinced by Eze.
The Spaniard has continued to play the England international, but often opts for Odegaard or Kai Havertz when the option is there.
Speaking after Sunday’s game, however, he said: “Some superb balls and his intentions, I think the risk that he took in the final third, the amount of shots that he tried to take as well, I think that’s really positive. That’s what we want from him.”
Arteta and Eze will hope that a superb performance can trigger a positive run of form in the coming games.