Eberechi Eze Poised for High-Stakes Clash Against Former Club
Eberechi Eze will need to let his football do the talking this weekend. The 27-year-old forward, who swapped Crystal Palace for Arsenal in a £68million summer move, has been unceremoniously removed from his former club’s WhatsApp group chat, reports BritPanorama.
As he prepares to face his old side for the first time since leaving, Eze is yet to find the net in the Premier League while donning Arsenal colours, contributing one strike and three assists in his first ten appearances.
Despite this apparent rivalry, Eze’s ex-team-mates maintain that camaraderie persists. Midfielder Will Hughes humorously confessed to the sudden departure from the group chat, stating, “It wasn’t me.” He added, “Eze’s been brilliant. I’m really happy for him. Hopefully, we keep him quiet on Sunday.”
This upcoming fixture marks a significant moment not only for Eze but for Crystal Palace. Manager Oliver Glasner’s squad has demonstrated resilience in recent matches, notably maintaining the Premier League’s highest expected-goals tally of 17.38, even after Eze’s departure. “Of course, everybody who likes Palace would like to have Michael Olise and Ebs still in the squad. But we can create enough chances to score goals,” he commented.
Eze’s journey from south London favourite to north London star became evident when he played pivotal roles in two FA Cup victories, scoring the winner against Manchester City in the final and contributing to the Community Shield triumph shortly thereafter. Facing Eze on Sunday will be Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson, who is familiar with Eze’s abilities from training sessions. Despite previously unbeaten records in competitive matches against Eze, Henderson recalls conceding once to him during their tenure in the Championship.
Henderson remarked on the challenges their side faces visiting the Emirates, framing the match as an opportunity to cause an upset. “It’s a free hit. You’ve got to play with confidence, enjoy playing there, and see what you can do.” This framing emphasizes both the pressure upon Arsenal and the potential for Palace to assert themselves against stronger opposition.
Glasner remains optimistic about his team’s prospects, noting, “Eberechi was definitely a player who could decide games on his own,” yet emphasizing the collective strength of his current squad. As this weekend approaches, both teams are keenly aware that the stakes extend beyond just personal rivalries; they symbolise broader ambitions in the ongoing Premier League season.
In the realm of football, there’s always room for unexpected turns — as Eze revisits his past, there’s a reminder that the pitch often levels the playing field, turning former allies into fierce competitors.
