Eberechi Eze Calls Debut Arsenal Strike 'Very Special' as Arteta Delivers Stern Warning
Eberechi Eze has revealed that netting his inaugural Arsenal goal brings a "truly special" sensation, while his coach Mikel Arteta hints that his summer signing has much more potential to unlock.
The former Crystal Palace attacker found the net first in Arsenal's 2–0 triumph over Port Vale in Wednesday's Carabao Cup third round clash, delivering a precise finish to cap off a fluid attacking sequence. Leandro Trossard's additional strike late in the match secured the Gunners' progression to the fourth round, where they will welcome Brighton & Hove Albion.
Eze, who joined the Gunners for an initial fee of £60 million ($80.1 million), has shown promising signs in his early Arsenal career, already contributing assists in Premier League matches against Nottingham Forest and Manchester City, though Wednesday's strike should provide him with additional self-assurance going forward.
Speaking about his emotions following his debut Arsenal goal, Eze shared with Sky Sports: "Truly special. Something I've been striving for over an extended period.
"It's a challenging venue to visit, well-organized opposition, it's crucial to register a first goal and progress. There's significant squad depth, exceptional players coming from the substitutes' bench who can inject renewed energy."
Eze further commented post-match: "It's a memorable day to score my inaugural goal and secure victory. It's crucial to advance to the next stage; that was the primary objective. But it's a memorable day personally.
"I managed to discover some space within the penalty area. So I realized I didn't have time for multiple touches. So I was simply aiming to get a strike away; that was the key thing. Lucky, and plenty of dedication behind it, but it's a positive day."
Arteta was eager to praise Eze during his post-game press conference and acknowledged he anticipates even greater contributions from Arsenal's No. 10 moving ahead.
"He operated very centrally against opposition that deployed 5-4-1, extremely compact defensively, it's challenging to locate space but he's highly skilled with the goal and with three or four other moments where he's completely clear and [setting up] teammates," commented the Spanish manager.
"He still requires more playing time alongside those players to grasp the timing, particularly the responsibilities he must fulfill, and then moments like that will become more regular and beneficial for us. Overall very positive, there's still much more potential I believe."
Eze will get another chance to impress Arteta in Arsenal's demanding visit to Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon, with last campaign's Premier League runners-up already trailing league-topping Liverpool by five points.