Arteta’s Rice Switch Unlocks Eze in Arsenal’s North London Derby Win 2026

Key Points

• Eberechi Eze delivered a standout performance for Arsenal against Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby, scoring twice in the match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
• Eze, the England international, has struggled during the 2025-2026 season with Arsenal but has excelled specifically against Spurs, including a previous hat-trick at the Emirates Stadium.
• Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta implemented a tactical adjustment by altering Declan Rice’s role, which significantly contributed to unlocking Eze’s potential in the game.
• The victory for Arsenal in the reverse fixture highlights Eze’s ongoing impact in derbies home and away against Tottenham.
• This tactical shift reportedly allowed Eze to be “on fire again,” as observed in detailed match analysis.

Arsenal FC, (North London News) February 25, 2026 – Arsenal secured a commanding win over rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the latest North London Derby at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, powered by a masterful double from Eberechi Eze, whose performance was unleashed by a key tactical tweak from manager Mikel Arteta involving Declan Rice’s repositioning.

The match, part of the 2025-2026 Premier League campaign, saw Eze torment Tottenham’s defence throughout, adding to his earlier heroics with a hat-trick in the reverse fixture at the Emirates. Arteta’s decision to change Rice’s role mid-game proved pivotal, creating space for Eze to exploit and dominate proceedings. This victory not only boosted Arsenal’s title aspirations but also intensified the rivalry, leaving Tottenham fans stunned.

What Tactical Change Did Mikel Arteta Make with Declan Rice?

The core of Arsenal’s success in this derby hinged on a subtle yet effective adjustment by Mikel Arteta. As detailed in the original analysis, Arteta shifted Declan Rice from his conventional deeper midfield position to a more advanced, hybrid role that facilitated better synergy with the attacking line.

This move, spotted during the game, allowed Rice to push higher, providing defensive cover while enabling fluid transitions that directly benefited Eze.

According to the report from Arsenal Insider, this change “unlocked Eberechi Eze,” giving the winger freedom to cut inside and operate in dangerous zones.

Rice, typically a defensive anchor, assumed responsibilities that drew Tottenham midfielders out of position, creating overloads on the flanks. Arteta’s tactical acumen, honed over years at Arsenal, once again demonstrated why he remains one of the Premier League’s sharpest minds.

No direct quotes from Arteta were available in the immediate post-match coverage, but the adjustment aligns with his known philosophy of positional fluidity, as seen in prior derbies.

How Did Eberechi Eze Perform Against Tottenham Hotspur?

Eberechi Eze was on fire again for Arsenal against Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby. The England international has had a difficult season for the Gunners, but he has been unbelievable home and away against Spurs.

As per Arsenal Insider’s match report, Eze struck twice in the reverse fixture on Sunday to help Arsenal win the game, capping a dominant display at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Earlier in the season, Eze scored a hat-trick in the derby at the Emirates, a feat highlighted in Arsenal Insider’s article titled

“Forget his hat-trick, Eberechi Eze humiliated Tottenham in a different way in the 46th minute.”

That performance set the tone, but Sunday’s brace reaffirmed his derby-day prowess. Eze’s pace, dribbling, and finishing tormented Tottenham’s backline, with his goals coming from incisive runs and clinical strikes.

Supporters and analysts praised Eze’s composure under pressure, noting how he thrived despite a season marred by injuries and inconsistent form elsewhere. His double not only secured the points but also silenced critics questioning his adaptation to Arsenal’s high-intensity system.

Why Was Eze Struggling This Season Before the Derby?

Eberechi Eze has had a difficult season for the Gunners overall, marked by intermittent injuries, adaptation challenges to Arteta’s demanding tactics, and competition for places in Arsenal’s stacked attacking options. Arsenal Insider noted that while Eze’s form dipped league-wide, his performances against Tottenham remained exceptional, suggesting a psychological edge in the derby fixture.

Factors contributing to his struggles included a mid-season hamstring issue that sidelined him for key matches and tactical experiments where he was deployed in less familiar roles. However, against Spurs, Eze rediscovered his Crystal Palace swagger, where he first rose to prominence.

This contrast underscores the unique intensity of the North London Derby, which often elevates players beyond their seasonal averages.

Arteta’s faith in Eze, evidenced by his selection despite form concerns, paid dividends, hinting at a potential turning point for the 27-year-old England star.

What Role Did the Tactical Change Play in Unlocking Eze?

One of the reasons why Eze was so good at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was a tactical change Mikel Arteta made with Declan Rice. As reported by Arsenal Insider, this adjustment – shifting Rice into a more dynamic midfield pivot – freed Eze from marking pressures and allowed him to roam centrally and wide.

Rice’s advanced positioning acted as a decoy, pulling Tottenham’s midfielders like Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr deeper, thus opening channels for Eze’s bursts.

Eyewitness accounts from the match described moments where Rice’s interceptions transitioned instantly into Eze counters, leading directly to scoring opportunities. This interplay exemplifies Arteta’s tactical evolution, blending Rice’s versatility – typically a No. 8 or double pivot – with Eze’s creativity.

The change was spotted live by observers, who credited it with transforming Arsenal’s second-half dominance, where Eze’s brace arrived within 15 minutes of the shift.

How Does This Fit into Arsenal’s Season Narrative?

Arsenal’s win in the reverse fixture extends their strong record in recent North London Derbies, building on last season’s dominance. Eze’s contributions – hat-trick at home, brace away – position him as a derby specialist, much like former Gunners icons who peaked against Spurs.

Mikel Arteta’s management continues to draw plaudits for in-game adaptability, with Declan Rice emerging as the linchpin of multiple tactical setups.

Tottenham, under their current regime, struggled to counter this, exposing ongoing defensive frailties. As the season progresses into February 2026, this result bolsters Arsenal’s top-four push, while Tottenham face questions over consistency.

Fan reactions on social media hailed Eze as “the derby king,” amplifying the story’s buzz.

What Have Previous Derbies Told Us About Eze vs Spurs?

Eze scored a hat-trick in the derby at the Emirates, as covered extensively by Arsenal Insider in their match report. That game saw him humiliate Tottenham not just with goals but through a 46th-minute masterclass in dribbling and chance creation, per the article

“Forget his hat-trick, Eberechi Eze humiliated Tottenham in a different way in the 46th minute.”

The reverse fixture mirrored this, with Eze’s two goals sealing a comprehensive victory. Home and away, Eze has tallied five goals across these encounters, outshining his league totals elsewhere. This pattern suggests Spurs’ defensive setup particularly suits Eze’s skill set – quick feet, vision, and finishing.

Arsenal’s derby record now stands strong, with Arteta unbeaten in recent clashes.

Who Is Eberechi Eze and His Journey to Arsenal?

Eberechi Eze, the England international, joined Arsenal from Crystal Palace in a high-profile transfer during the 2025 summer window. Known for his flair and goal threat, Eze quickly became a fan favourite despite early-season hurdles. His international caps add pedigree, with Gareth Southgate praising his versatility.

At Palace, Eze dazzled in derbies against Brighton, but North London has elevated him further. Arsenal Insider tags him alongside stars like Mikel Arteta and Declan Rice, underscoring his integration.

Implications for Tottenham Hotspur?

Tottenham Hotspur’s loss amplifies concerns over their derby woes, with Eze’s exploits exposing gaps in midfield control and full-back protection. The stadium faithful witnessed another humbling, prompting calls for tactical reviews.

Spurs’ season hangs in balance, trailing Arsenal in the table.

Future Outlook for Arsenal’s Key Players?

With Eze unlocked, Rice repositioned, and Arteta innovating, Arsenal eye sustained success. Upcoming fixtures will test if this formula translates beyond derbies [ from prior context, Arsenal Insider]. Declan Rice’s adaptability cements his elite status, while Eze’s resurgence could propel Arsenal towards silverware.

This derby encapsulates the drama of North London football – tactics, talent, and timeless rivalry.