Eberechi Eze is poised to make a return to Crystal Palace, marking what could be described as a dream season. He returns as a Premier League title winner with Arsenal.
It’s expected that he will receive a guard of honour before the game.
A Fondly Remembered Former Player
Eze, who previously played for Crystal Palace, is fondly remembered. He scored the historic winning goal in last year’s FA Cup final against Manchester City.
He was unveiled at the Emirates Stadium back in August as a returning hero after being snatched from north London rivals Spurs.
Eze’s Impact at Arsenal
Eze’s contribution to Arsenal’s title triumph includes five goals in two appearances against the side he was close to joining. There was also a decisive strike against Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium in October and another against Newcastle in April.
Eze needed time to adapt to the off-the-ball demands of playing for Mikel Arteta. However, he has added qualities beyond the ones that mark him out on the pitch.
While some team-mates appeared weighed down by past disappointments on their way to the title, Eze showed a lightness. His attitude was summed up by his answer to a question about rival fans willing Arsenal to fail at a press conference in April which subsequently went viral.
“I don’t care,” he said. “If I’m honest I’m not too interested in what people think or how they feel about us winning.
“I just know that we’ve got a team that is more than capable and has proven that we are of the highest level. And when we do win, it will down to everyone else to deal with it.”
Looking Ahead
Arsenal hope this is just the start of a winning era. There is of course the small matter of a Champions League final to come.
But before that there is Crystal Palace, and a full-circle moment for a player who has enjoyed a season to savour.