Arteta reportedly admitted that the club had been close to offloading the £60m star in January, but after his standout display against Spurs, he’s no longer considering letting him go. He made it clear he needs the player in his squad if Arsenal are to chase a treble this season. Despite speculation linking him to clubs like Bayern Munich and Besiktas over the summer, Arteta insists the winger was never actually allowed to leave.
Throughout the season, the player has remained an important figure for Arsenal, delivering goals and strong performances that justified Arteta’s faith in him. His opener in the 4–1 win over Tottenham only strengthened his status, showing exactly why the manager refused to sanction any sale. Arteta praised his aggression, effectiveness, and involvement in nearly every positive sequence during the derby.
Meanwhile, Eze stole the spotlight with a stunning hat-trick, becoming the first to do so in a north London derby since the late ’70s. Arteta highlighted not just his talent but his relentless work ethic, sharing how the forward returned early from time off just to train harder and improve. The manager sees him as a special addition who brings energy, confidence, and match-winning ability to the squad.
Across the pitch, Arsenal players delivered strong performances — from Trossard’s clinical finish to Hincapie’s assured showing in defense. Even with fierce competition for places, many squad members proved why they deserve their roles, giving Arteta more reasons to keep faith in his team’s depth and momentum.
On the Spurs side, it was a rough night. Defensive mistakes, ineffective play on the wings, and shaky decisions left them overwhelmed, with only Vicario standing out as a reliable presence. Arsenal’s dominance, fueled by sharp finishing and relentless pressure, created a night to remember for their fans — and a reminder of why Arteta is unwilling to part with key players who anchor their success.
