THIS FOOTBALL CHAMPION IS A CHESS GRANDMASTER

 

MOST GOALS IN THE NORTH LONDON DERBY | FOR ARSENAL

 

ARSENAL'S STAR EBERECHI EZE MAKES HISTORY

 

TOTTENHAM LEGEND LEFT WITH EGG ON HIS FACE AFTER EBERECHI EZE VERDICT BEFORE ARSENAL CLASH

Tottenham hero Les Ferdinand gave his thoughts on Eberechi Eze's start to life at Arsenal before kick-off in the North London Derby, only to see him score a hat-trick

Eberechi Eze put Arsenal 2-0 up before half-time(Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Eberechi Eze made Les Ferdinand eat his words after scoring a tremendous hat-trick for Arsenal as they thrashed Tottenham 4-1 in the North London Derby. Eze was the star of the show on Sunday afternoon as the Gunners continued their utter dominance of the fixture and moved six points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

Leandro Trossard opened the scoring before Eze took centre stage by finding the net with three confident and composed finishes. Richarlison scored a staggering consolation goal for Spurs from distance as he lobbed David Raya, but that was all their fans had to cheer.

Eze has now scored six goals in four games against Spurs across his career and the fact Tottenham tried unsuccessfully to sign him from Crystal Palace over the summer won't have been lost on Thomas Frank and co. Ferdinand played a role in Eze's development as QPR's director of football when they signed him in 2016 and he shared his thoughts before kick-off.

"I took him to QPR and straight away I saw a talent, someone we felt could go on and he's done that, in terms of going to Crystal Palace and then here (Arsenal)," Ferdinand said on Sky Sports. "I've often said I felt he could've gone from QPR to one of the bigger clubs.

"But he's come to Arsenal and I think he's playing with the handbrake on, that's what I'd call it. I think there's so much more from him. The reason Arsenal have bought him, he's got a calmness about him, the way he plays, his attitude and the way he is. I just feel he's got so much more to his game."

Asked to clarify his handbrake comment, he added: "There's so much more to come from him. It's almost like he's come to Arsenal and he's working his way in, rather than saying 'I'm the man, watch what I can do.' It's like he's working his way into it. I think he's got so much more to give.

"Every time I'm watching him, I'm thinking 'come on Ez, you've got more than this'. He's got what it takes to unlock teams playing a low block - I'm just not seeing him do it enough."

Les Ferdinand gave his thoughts on Eberechi Eze before kick-off(Image: Sky Sports)

Eze certainly did enough on Sunday and could have scored four goals, had it not been for a good save from Guglielmo Vicario in the closing stages. Having come into the match with two goals in an Arsenal shirt, he now has five to go with three assists in 16 appearances.

"That's a good one man. Enjoyable day. Happy to help the team and to win today was a special," he told Sky Sports. "It's special. I am grateful. I prayed for it. This is what I pray for. I prayed for a hat-trick so I am grateful to God.

"That was the prayer today. God gave it to me and that is faith, man. All my family is here and that makes it even more special for me."

- Felix Keith

JAMIE CARRAGHER APOLOGISES LIVE ON TV AS HE HAILS ARSENAL STAR EBERECHI EZE

Eberechi Eze has proven Jamie Carragher wrong since his move to Arsenal, the former Liverpool defender admits.

The Gunners star scored his first senior hat-trick to inspire his side to a 4-1 north London derby thrashing over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

It comes after Spurs saw a deal to sign Eze from Crystal Palace in the summer hijacked by their bitter local rivals.

Arsenal swooped to secure his signature for £67.5million including add-ons back in August.

Eze's treble at the Emirates Stadium has taken his tally for the club to five goals and three assists in 16 appearances across all competitions.

Carragher was full of praise for the 27-year-old after the match as he assessed his performance live on Sky Sports.

He admitted: "I must be honest, I think when Arsenal signed him and when I had my Liverpool hat on, and I looked at the signings Arsenal made.

"Beside Viktor Gyokeres, it felt like a lot of them were to strengthen the squad really.

"So where Arsenal had problems the year before was when (Bukayo) Saka was out, they bought (Noni) Madueke. (Martin) Odegaard was out, they bought Eze. One of the centre-backs was out so they got a couple of centre-backs.

"It was only really Gyokeres who I felt was going to go into the team. If I am being honest I think if (Kai) Havertz was one 100 per cent fit, Havertz would probably be the centre-forward in this team I think."

Carragher continued: "So, when Eze came in I thought, 'Okay, maybe he’s not a game-changer', and Les (Ferdinand) knows him a lot better than me and he still said earlier on in the show, 'there’s still a lot more to come'.

"But then we still see some of his highlights this season and there are a few great goals in there and then he goes and scores a hat-trick, so apologies.

Carragher is holding his hands up for underestimating Eze

"Apologies, I've certainly undervalued the importance that signing was"

Jamie Carragher on Arsenal signing Ebere Eze ✍️ pic.twitter.com/jD6oRfzEFY

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 23, 2025

"Certainly undervalued the importance that signing was because he looks like he could make a real difference for Arsenal this season and go on and win the title."

Arsenal are now six points clear at the top of the Premier League following their derby day victory.

Arteta on Eze signing

Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta has revealed that he spoke to Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel before signing Eze.

Tuchel has included him in all four of his squads since taking charge in January.

Across that time, Eze has won seven caps and scored three goals for England.

Speaking to talkSPORT's Alex Crook after the match, Arteta explained: "When I spoke to Thomas TucheI, I said, ‘how good is he?’

Arsenal were urged to sign Eze by England boss Tuchel, Arteta has revealedCredit: Getty

"He said to me, ‘one of the best I've seen. I rate him one of the best in terms of talent'.

"The willingness he has to play for this team and the joy I sense every single day when he's in the building, we have a special player there."

Eze's match-winning display comes ahead of a potentially crucial week in Arsenal's season.

They host Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday before a trip to Chelsea next weekend.

As well as topping the Premier League, they are one of three clubs to have won all four matches in Europe's premier competition this term.

It leaves them level with Bayern and Inter Milan, although the German champions top the league phase on goals scored.

- Ciaran Wiseman

ARSENAL 1-0 CRYSTAL PALACE: EBERECHI EZE SCORES WINNER AS GUNNERS EXTEND LEAD AT THE TOP

Gunners move four points clear as they capitalise on slip-ups from Liverpool and Manchester City

ARSENAL FC VIA GETTY IMAGES

Eberechi Eze scored against his old club as Arsenal recorded a 1-0 win against Crystal Palace at the Emirates to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League.

Eze fired home from another Arsenal set-piece with a sumptuous half-volley six minutes prior to the interval before Gabriel struck the crossbar in the second half as Arsenal saw out their seventh consecutive victory.

Palace failed to muster a single shot on target against an Arsenal side which has now conceded just three times across 13 matches in all competitions so far. Arsenal's clean sheet here was their fifth in succession.

It was a far from a spectacular performance from Mikel Arteta's men, but the triumph takes them four points clear of second-placed Bournemouth in the table, and six ahead of Manchester City following their 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa.

Defending champions Liverpool are a further point off the championship pace.

Arsenal scored four times in 14 electric second-half minutes as they rain riot against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League earlier this week. But on Sunday, they required 33 minutes to register their first shot.

Fresh from his quickfire double against Atletico, Viktor Gyokeres did well to bounce off Maxence Lacroix and hold the ball up before bringing Declan Rice into play. Rice found Leandro Trossard but the Belgian's first touch allowed the ball to get stuck under his feet and his subsequent shot was straight at the Palace stopper.

Speaking prior to Sunday's match, Arteta revealed he hatched his masterplan to transform Arsenal into set-piece kings a decade ago.

On Tuesday night, Arsenal became the first team across Europe's top five leagues to register 10 goals from free-kicks this season, and on the 39th minute that became 11.

Rice's inswinger from the right-hand side was met by Gabriel at the far post, and who else was on hand other than Eze, to rifle the bouncing ball home with a delicious half-volley to hand his new employers the lead.

There was no celebration from Eze against the club he served for five years, but this marked a much-needed first league strike in seven attempts for the England international - with manager Thomas Tuchel watching on from the Emirates directors' box - and for Arsenal, a 38th set-piece goal in the league since the start of 2023-24 season.

Five minutes into the second period and the crossbar prevented Arsenal from increasing that tally to 39. From a dead ball, Rice played a give-and-go with Eze before his left-footed cross was met by Gabriel but the Brazilian's header cannoned off the goal frame.

Rice was there for the follow-up but Henderson stopped his shot with an outstretched arm. A trademark Saka long-range shot with his left instep then fell wide.

Arsenal continued to dominate possession but, with their advantage standing at just one, Oliver Glasner's players always remained in the contest.

However, Arsenal's defence has been breached by just one team - Manchester City - from open play this season, and, in truth, the south Londoners rarely looked like becoming the second despite a nervier-than-expected finale.

The only sour notes on another day of triumph for Arsenal in their pursuit of a first league title in 22 years arrived with injuries to William Saliba and Rice. The former was replaced at the interval, while the latter hobbled off in the closing stages.

- PHILIP DUNCAN

REPORT: ARSENAL HOST NOTTINGHAM FOREST AS PREMIER LEAGUE ACTION RETURNS

Photo: IMAGO

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest: Premier League Preview at the Emirates

Arsenal return to Premier League action on Saturday lunchtime when they host Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium. The 12.30pm kick-off comes straight after the international break, with both sides hoping to reset and build momentum in the new campaign.

This fixture carries additional intrigue as Ange Postecoglou steps back into English football management with Forest, months after leaving Tottenham. His Spurs connection will almost certainly provoke a frosty welcome from the Arsenal crowd.

Key details for Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

The clash takes place on Saturday 13 September, with live television coverage in the UK on TNT Sports. Build-up begins at 11am on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate, before the match kicks off at 12.30pm. Subscribers can also watch online via the Discovery+ platform.

Supporters without access can still follow the game through live blogs, while highlights will be available from 5.15pm on the Sky Sports app and YouTube channel. Match of the Day will feature extended coverage later that evening on BBC One at 10.50pm.

Photo: IMAGO

Arsenal team news and selection calls

Arsenal could hand a first start to £67.5m summer signing Eberechi Eze. The midfielder made an impact off the bench against Liverpool in the previous round and is pushing for inclusion from the start.

Ben White should be fit to return, while Christian Norgaard and Piero Hincapie are both in contention. However, Mikel Arteta faces a lengthy absentee list with William Saliba, Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus all set to miss out.

Forest will be without Oleksandr Zinchenko, who is ineligible to face his parent club following a late transfer window loan move. With Ola Aina also likely to be sidelined, Postecoglou faces a defensive reshuffle.

“Eberechi Eze is pushing to start for Arsenal against Nottingham Forest” read an update from the club as anticipation grows around the new signing’s full debut.

Tactical dynamics and prediction

Postecoglou’s arrival on the Forest bench changes the complexion of the contest. Under Nuno Espirito Santo, Arsenal might have expected to face a deep defensive block. Instead, the new manager is known for encouraging aggressive pressing and a high defensive line, traits that characterised his Tottenham side.

That philosophy could leave spaces for Arsenal’s attacking talent. If they are sharp in the final third, the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Eze and Noni Madueke should find opportunities. With the Gunners at home and boasting superior quality, the forecast points towards a comfortable victory.

The prediction is Arsenal to win 4-0.

- Ahmed Khan

ARSENAL JERSEY NUMBERS | THE OLD AND THE NEW

 

A RHETORICAL QUESTION FROM ARSENAL LEGEND IAN WRIGHT TO EBERECHI ZE | ARSENAL FC

 

EBERECHI EZE UNVEILED AS NEW ARSENAL PLAYED AHEAD OF PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH VS LEEDS UNITED

Arsenal have completed the signing of Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace, it was announced Saturday, with the England international returning to his boyhood club.

No fee was disclosed but Eberechi Eze has signed a four-year contract in a deal.

Arsenal have completed the signing of Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace, it was announced Saturday, with the England international returning to his boyhood club. No fee was disclosed but Eze has signed a four-year contract in a deal that could be worth up to £68 million ($92 million) after Arsenal scuppered Eze's proposed move to their arch north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.  "We are absolutely delighted to bring Eberechi to Arsenal," said Gunners manager Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal have completed the signing of Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace, it was announced Saturday, with the England international returning to his boyhood club. No fee was disclosed but Eze has signed a four-year contract in a deal that could be worth up to £68 million ($92 million) after Arsenal scuppered Eze's proposed move to their arch north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.  "We are absolutely delighted to bring Eberechi to Arsenal," said Gunners manager Mikel Arteta.

"He is a powerful and exciting player who will give us a new dimension in our attacking game. What stands out just as much as his talent and intelligence as a player, is the way he has worked hard throughout his career to get where he is today.

"His journey, his mentality, and his ambition are exactly what we want in our team, and we love how much it means to him and his family to be joining our club. We all look forward to start working with Eberechi soon."

Eze becomes Arsenal's seventh signing of a summer transfer window where they have now spent some £250 million following the arrivals of Viktor Gyokeres, Cristhian Mosquera, Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard and Noni Madueke.

Arsenal have finished second in the Premier League for each of the past three seasons and last won a trophy five years ago.

But Eze's signing is a further indication of their determination to end a 22-year wait for the Premier League title.

Arsenal's move -– for a reported initial fee of £60 million prior to performance related add-ons –- sees Eze returning to his boyhood club, with the 27-year-old having started his career at the Gunners' academy before being released. 

His signing was announced shortly before Arsenal's first Premier League home game of the season, against Leeds, on Saturday.

Eze arrives at the Emirates assured of a place in Palace history after scoring the winning goal in the Eagles' FA Cup final victory against Manchester City in May to secure the south London club's first major trophy. 

The England winger was unveiled in front of the fans at Emirates ahead of Arsenal's match against Leeds United.

- Agence France-Presse

MAN UNITED CAUGHT IN TRANSFER SHAKE-UP AS SURPRISE LIVERPOOL 'SWAP DEAL' EMERGES

Manchester United have been linked with a move for Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, but could be left empty-handed by Chelsea and Liverpool

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has been linked with a new midfield target(Image: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Manchester United's pursuit of Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton could be influenced by the transfer activities of their rivals.

Ruben Amorim's squad are considering midfield options after bringing in three forwards this summer. Striker Benjamin Sesko is set to lead a revamped United attack, supported by fellow newcomers Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.

United have shown interest in Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, but the Seagulls' hefty £100million asking price has reportedly led the club to consider Palace ace Wharton as an alternative. However, United's chances of landing Wharton could hinge on the futures of Palace's other star players, Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze.

Manchester United have reportedly identified Adam Wharton as an alternative target(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)

The Independent reports that United have earmarked Wharton as a potential substitute for Baleba due to the latter's price tag exceeding £100m. Yet, it's suggested that the Eagles might demand even more for Wharton if they decide to part ways with England pair Guehi and Eze.

Liverpool have set their sights on Guehi to strengthen Arne Slot's defensive line-up. The 25 year old is in the last year of his contract and Liverpool hope to secure the centre-back for £35m, while Palace are believed to be holding out for £40m, reports the Manchester Evening News.

However, Guehi's circumstances have potentially become more complex due to Palace's pursuit of midfielder Harvey Elliott, whom Liverpool rate at the same fee. The Sun reports that the prospect of a swap deal featuring Guehi and Elliott hasn't been dismissed, which could scupper United's ambitions of securing a deal for Wharton.

There had been optimism that Guehi might remain at Palace this season, which could have made the Eagles more receptive to entertaining bids for Wharton. Nevertheless, the club are reluctant to allow the defender to depart on a free transfer next summer.

Carlos Baleba has scored four goals in 77 games for Brighton across all competitions(Image: Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images)

Their pursuit of Elliott presents Liverpool with an opportunity to arrange a swap deal after their initial bid for the centre-back was reportedly significantly below Palace's asking price.

After the club's Community Shield triumph last weekend, Palace chairman Steve Parish commented: "Players come and go in football clubs, you know, I mean, it's a life cycle isn't it? Hopefully they're still here. That's what I'd like but we'll see."

Meanwhile, Palace are reportedly weighing up a move for Elliott as a potential successor to Eze, who has caught the eye of Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. Palace's talisman carries a £68m release clause that is said to expire on Friday.

Should Palace part with just one of Eze or Guehi, the club might be more inclined to consider bids for Wharton. However, if both Guehi and Eze depart, they'll be even less willing to discuss terms for Wharton and will find themselves in a robust financial position should transfer fees be secured for the duo.

The deal could rest on any potential Eberechi Eze transfer(Image: Getty Images)

The 21 year old has garnered widespread praise since his move to Selhurst Park from Blackburn Rovers in February 2024, although injury setbacks hampered his campaign last term, limiting him to just 20 league outings.

The defensive midfielder shares the same age as Baleba, who has likewise made his mark in the Premier League since his switch to Brighton from Lille two years ago. Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler dismissed speculation that Baleba was set to depart the club after he sat out their friendly against Wolfsburg due to a minor knee problem.

"He trained today, he trained yesterday," Hurzeler explained. "So we don't want to take any risks, but he will be back."

United are eager to bolster their midfield ranks ahead of the new season. Amorim largely depended on Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo in the engine room during the previous campaign.

- Jake Bayliss & Alexander Snow

AFTER GYOKERES: £68M STRIKER READY TO JOIN ARSENAL 'TOMORROW' ARTETA IS 'OBSESSED'

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is 'obsessed' with Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze, and the England international would sign a five-year deal 'tomorrow' if given the chance, according to trusted insider Hand of Arsenal.

It's been a hectic summer transfer window so far for Arsenal, with news breaking on Tuesday afternoon that an agreement had been reached for their latest addition. Viktor Gyokeres looks set to join the north London club, with Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano confirming that a verbal agreement is in place between all parties involved.

Gyokeres could be the next to sign on the dotted line after Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard, and Noni Madueke, with Arsenal looking to make a serious mark in the summer transfer window.

Arteta 'Obsessed' With Eberechi Eze

He's held talks with Arsenal

In a lengthy update on X, trusted insider Hand of Arsenal has provided the latest on Arsenal's pursuit of Eze. After holding talks with the Crystal Palace man, Arteta has become 'obsessed' with Eze and has directly communicated this to the board. Personal terms have never been an issue for the England international, who would be willing to sign a five-year deal.

Eze, described as a 'superstar' by Jamie Carragher, has told Chelsea and Bayern Munich that his preference is to join the Gunners this summer, with informal dialogue taking place between the two clubs. The Crystal Palace star has a £68m release clause in his contract, meaning the Gunners could easily get a deal done if they want to pull the trigger.

Unfortunately for Arsenal supporters, any deal could rely on outgoings, so this could be a saga that goes on until later in the transfer window. If Arsenal can confirm the signing of Gyokeres and then move on to Eze, they are going to be serious contenders for the Premier League title during the 2025/2026 campaign.

- Matt Smith

ALAN SHEARER BLASTS ERLING HAALAND DECISION THA COST MAN CITY IN FA FINAL - 'NO CHANCE'

Erling Haaland started for Manchester City as they faced Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final on Saturday, though the Norwegian striker came under fire from Alan Shearer

Haaland handed the ball to Omar Marmoush instead, with the January signing missing his spot-kick(Image: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Alan Shearer slammed Erling Haaland for giving away the ball to Omar Marmoush after Manchester City were awarded a penalty in their FA Cup final against Crystal Palace. The Eagles had been leading through Eberechi Eze's brilliant counter-attacking goal

Twelve minutes before half-time though, City were handed a prime chance to equalise. Referee Stuart Attwell point to the spot after Tyrick Mitchell lunged in on Bernando Silva and brought down the City star.

Haaland initially picked the ball up, but once VAR Jarred Gillett had confirmed the decision, he passed the ball to Marmoush. The January signing aimed his penalty down to Palace keeper Dean Henderson's right hand side.

But the Englishman had guessed right and palmed the ball away with a strong right hand. He then quickly got to his feet to also save Haaland's own follow-up and maintain Palace's precious lead.

Haaland's decision to hand Marmoush the ball surprised many, with the Norwegian having scored 30 goals in all competitions this season. Some pundits, including Gary Lineker and Wayne Rooney, believed that boss Pep Guardiola ordered Haaland to give the ball away.

The striker has missed three spot-kicks this season, scoring four. Despite that patchy record, Newcastle legend Shearer blasted Haaland for so easily giving up the chance to become a hero for his side.

"That is a big decision from Erling Haaland as well, not to want that penalty. If he's fit enough he's on the pitch, he's starting the game. So it must be mentally that he's either said he doesn't want it," Shearer said in commentary for BBC Sport.

"Or Pep doesn't want him to take it. That is a big surprise to me though. Not at all [would you pass it up]. Not when you're in his position. Erling Haaland, who and what you are. He's scored 30 goals this season.

"I'm only speaking from a personal point of view but I wouldn't be prepared to give up a penalty in a cup final - no chance. Come to that I wouldn't give one up in any game, let alone a cup final."

While he was critical of Haaland, Shearer also reserved praise for Palace keeper Henderson. The England international was perhaps fortunate to stay on the pitch after an earlier decision revolving around a handball he committed.

But overlooking his fortune, Shearer was full of praise for the 28-year-old. He added: "What a save that is. He doesn't fall for the bluff beforehand. He's in control of that situation the goalkeeper.

"He guesses right and gets a big strong hand to keep that out. It really is an impressive save. Then he gets up really quickly again. A clever save it really was, quick along his line. Strong with his right arm. That is a huge save it really is. He's had an interesting 35, 37 minutes."

- Jacob Leeks

EBERECHI EZE | THIS TYPE OF FLAIR CANNOT BE TAUGHT