Overview
- Eberechi Eze scored three in the 4-1 North London derby win over Tottenham that put Arsenal six points clear at the top.
- Martin Ødegaard has missed nearly six weeks with a knee injury and is nearing fitness after Eze deputised in the No. 10 role.
- Rio Ferdinand said Eze should be the first name on Mikel Arteta’s team sheet and that Ødegaard is no longer a guaranteed starter.
- Gary Neville agrees Eze is better suited than Ødegaard to the central playmaker role, echoing Thierry Henry’s view that Eze is a natural No. 10.
- Wayne Rooney called it a welcome selection dilemma for Arteta, noting Ødegaard may have to fight for minutes and that Leandro Trossard’s form limits shifting Eze wide.