Eberechi Eze Makes Emotional Home Debut for Arsenal After 14-Year Wait

Eberechi Eze started his first home game for Arsenal against Nottingham Forest, 14 years after he left the club’s academy. This marked a special return to North London.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Eze made his full home debut for Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday after joining in August from Crystal Palace. He started on the left side of Arsenal’s attack, showing promise after coming off the bench in a 1-0 loss to Liverpool. Fans had waited for this moment since Eze, who grew up in Arsenal’s academy, left the club at age 13. Now 27, he returns as an England international and FA Cup and Community Shield winner, adding creativity to Arsenal’s midfield and attack.

SEASON SO FAR FOR ARSENAL AND EZE

Arsenal started the Premier League season with mixed results. After an opening win over Leeds United and a tough loss to Liverpool, they aim to climb up the standings. Currently, Arsenal is in first place in the Premier League, with nine points after four matches, level on points with Bournemouth and Tottenham and Liverpool, but all teams with one more match than the latter. Eze joined Arsenal in great form, having scored the winning goal in the FA Cup Final for Crystal Palace and earning his first England goal in World Cup qualifiers. Last season, he scored 12 league goals and assisted five more, with one goal already scored this season.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR ARSENAL AND EZE?

The Gunners next play Athletic Club in the Champions League before hosting Man City in the Premier League, who are struggling and in the lower half of the table. With Eze starting at home, fans and club staff expect him to boost the attack and help turn draws into wins as Arsenal chases a top-four finish.