Eberechi Eze made his full debut for Arsenal one to remember, helping his new side secure a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the Emirates.
The £68m summer signing from Crystal Palace may have had a quiet first half, but he wasted no time after the restart. Just 46 seconds into the second half, Eze whipped in a perfectly weighted low cross with his weaker left foot, allowing Viktor Gyokeres to double Arsenal’s lead with a simple finish.
That moment also carved Eze’s name into Arsenal history, according to Squawka, he became the first English player in over 13 years to register an assist with their very first chance created for the club. The last to do so? A young Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain back in January 2012, when he set up Robin van Persie against Manchester United.
A bright debut for Arsenal’s new #10
Statistically, Eze backed up his lively display. He completed 20 of his 24 passes (83% accuracy), created one chance, and completed three dribbles from six attempts. His work off the ball was just as important, winning four of seven ground duels and even his lone aerial duel.
While deployed on the left flank rather than his favoured central role, the 27-year-old still showcased his flair and versatility, looking dangerous every time he carried the ball forward.
Mikel Arteta didn’t just trust his £68m man, he also handed minutes to Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly, with Max Dowman on the bench. It underlined the balance Arsenal are striking: combining big-money stars with exciting academy products.
For Eze, who famously rejected Spurs, this debut was the perfect start. If this is just the beginning, Arsenal fans can be confident that their new No.10 is ready to light up the Emirates for years to come.
