Redknapp Raps Arteta Over Eze Management as Arsenal Demolish Spurs in Derby Rout

Jamie Redknapp has taken aim at Mikel Arteta's management of Eberechi Eze, suggesting the Arsenal boss has failed to get the best out of the £62.5m summer recruit from Crystal Palace.

The former Liverpool midfielder's criticism came ahead of Sunday's North London Derby, where Eze proceeded to answer in the most emphatic fashion imaginable. The winger netted twice as Arsenal steamrollered Tottenham 4-1, with Viktor Gyokeres chipping in with the other two to complete a demolition job that leaves little room for argument about which side currently reigns supreme in North London.

Redknapp pointed to Eze's confidence struggles since arriving from Selhurst Park. "He made a mistake against Aston Villa and came out of the team a bit after that," Redknapp explained on Sky Sports. "But I do think the manager has mismanaged him. He's a player who needs confidence, we saw that at Crystal Palace where he was great."

The numbers back Redknapp's point regarding limited opportunities. Eze has made just 13 Premier League starts this term, and was left on the bench for the midweek stalemate with Wolves that finished 2-2.

Post-match, however, Redknapp was effusive in his praise for both the player and the team's overall performance. "They were magnificent today. You just felt there was control about this Arsenal side," he said. "It was a complete mismatch. They were in different leagues, Arsenal were so classy. They were so much better than Tottenham, it was like two different leagues."

The pundit reserved particular admiration for Eze and Gyokeres. "Gyokeres led the line brilliantly, Eze was wonderful. It was a brilliant performance. Arsenal were fantastic, far too good for Tottenham."

He also issued a veiled warning to Spurs. "If Tottenham aren't careful, they might be in a different league. They cannot keep performing like this."

Speaking after the rout, Eze himself reflected on a performance that justified his inclusion. "We played with dominance today. We played with confidence and just the connection that we had on the pitch," he said. "I think it was a special performance from us and something that we can continue to build on and something to work towards our goals."

He highlighted the emotional intensity required in such fixtures. "We know what these types of games are. We know the energy that the fans are bringing and how we need to be emotionally ready for the games as well. I think we've done so well with that and we took advantage of that for sure. These games are all about momentum and being in the moment."

Eze concluded with gratitude for his opportunities. "I'm just thankful to God for the opportunities that we took today. We worked so hard, we gave everything and when we perform like this it motivates us."

The victory sees Arsenal extend their lead at the top to five points, though Manchester City possess a game in hand, suggesting the title race remains far from settled.