Mikel Arteta Praises Eberechi Eze After “Magical” Goal Sends Arsenal Through

• Mikel Arteta praised Eberechi Eze after his standout performance for Arsenal F.C..
• Arsenal beat Bayer 04 Leverkusen 2-0 on the night to reach the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals.
• Eze’s first Champions League goal highlighted the form that prompted his move from Crystal Palace F.C..

Mikel Arteta hailed Eberechi Eze’s ability to produce “magical moments” after the midfielder scored a standout goal in Arsenal’s win over Bayer Leverkusen.

Arsenal secured a 2-0 victory on the night and progressed 3-1 on aggregate to set up a quarterfinal tie against Sporting CP.

Eze opened the scoring in the 36th minute with a half-volley from the edge of the box, his first goal in the Champions League, before Declan Rice added a second in the second half.

“We started the game so well,” Arteta said.

“Their keeper kept their team in the game and we needed a magical moment from Ebs.”

Arteta said Eze’s performance reflected his growing influence in the team since joining Arsenal in the summer.

“He’s playing every three days, he has rhythm and understanding with his teammates,” Arteta said.

“He’s putting in a lot of activity, with and without the ball, and that’s the reason he’s here, to create those sorts of moments.”

Eze, who joined from Crystal Palace for £67.5 million, has recorded nine goals and six assists in 43 appearances this season.

Arteta added that the player’s consistency and increasing minutes have helped build confidence and improve his impact.

“When you start good actions that win games, it lifts your confidence and that’s what every player needs,” he said.

Arteta also praised Declan Rice, describing his performance as “immense” amid a demanding schedule.

Rice acknowledged the physical demands of competing across multiple competitions.

“It’s non stop,” Rice said. “We deal with it the best we can but it’s difficult. We find ways to win.”

He also highlighted Eze’s technical ability.

“There aren’t many players that can hit the ball like him. We need to get him on the ball more,” Rice said.

Eze said his focus now shifts to Sunday’s EFL Cup Final against Manchester City F.C., as Arsenal aim to end their wait for silverware.

“We want to do well and get those trophies,” Eze said. “We’ll keep pushing and working.”