The 27-year-old midfielder helped push Arsenal to their 2-0 victory over Port Vale during their Carabao Cup match on Wednesday (24.09.25), and Arteta has praised Eze for finding ways to “generate impact with creativity and threat”.

Speaking about Eze with Sky Sports, the 43-year-old manager said: “That is why he is here, to win football matches and generate impact with creativity and threat.

“He should have scored another two I think. He's a player that needs to be in touch with the ball and we'll find different ways of doing that.”

The manager added Arsenal’s “repuation” was at stake during the match.

He said: “The biggest thing that's at stake is your reputation, that's a big thing. We tried not to give them momentum.

“We lacked a bit of control, but some impact players win us the game. They played direct, and are really good at it. It's a game we want to avoid.

“We had moments we were very dominant and very good.”

Meanwhile, Eze described his first goal for The Gunners as “very special”.

He said of the goal: “[It’s] something I've been working towards for a long time.

“It's a difficult place to come, solid team, it's important to get a first goal and move forwards. There is a lot of depth in the squad, special players coming off the bench who can bring fresh energy.”

Following Arsenal’s victory, Eze praised his teammates for taking the club through to the next round of the Carabao Cup, where the North London side will next face Brighton and Hove Albion in October.

He said: “Coming to a place like this, away from home, in difficult circumstances, but finding a way to win, that's the most important thing. You take it into the next one.”

Reflecting of the support from the fans, Eze said: “It [means] everything, they know what they mean to us. So as long as we have that type of support and backing, we'll keep going, we'll keep pushing for them.”