Eze’s True Words on Tottenham Bench Exposed by Lip Reader 2026

Key Points

• A lip-reading expert, Nicola Hickling, analysed footage from Arsenal’s 4-1 North London Derby victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday evening, clarifying what Eberechi Eze said on the bench.​
• Social media speculation among Arsenal supporters claimed Eze called Tottenham ‘trash’ shortly after being substituted by Martin Odegaard with about 15 minutes remaining.
• Eze was conversing with teammates Riccardo Calafiori and Noni Madueke when the comments were captured by Sky Sports cameras.​
• Lip reader Nicola Hickling stated that Eze said, “It’s f****d,” while making a circular motion with his finger, then added, “It’s not working,” as he lifted his shirt to wipe his face.
• Hickling further noted Eze gesturing dismissively with, “Why should I,” before biting his shirt and replying to an off-screen voice, “Right now, yeah,” and finally, “He tr ’em it’s, it’s all trash” or similar phrasing indicating “trashed ’em… it’s all trash”.
• The match saw Eze score twice, with Viktor Gyokeres also netting a brace, after Tottenham equalised briefly through Randal Kolo Muani following a Declan Rice error.
• Post-match, Eze told club media, “We played with dominance today, showcasing confidence and a strong connection on the pitch. It was a special performance that we can build upon as we aim for our goals”.​
• Eze added, “They deserve a lot of credit. The players showed immense ability and talent, threatening to score from various angles. It was a solid performance, a valuable three points, and a memorable day”.​
• He reflected, “To be honest, I probably should have scored four. I’m always aiming to find the net and seize my opportunities. It’s crucial to be relentless”.​
• Arsenal’s win restored their five-point lead at the Premier League summit, ahead of Manchester City who have a game in hand.
• This was Arsenal’s biggest away win over Spurs since 1978, with Eze now having five goals against Tottenham this season following a prior hat-trick.​

(North London News) February 25, 2026 – A lip-reading expert has revealed the true words of Arsenal midfielder Eberechi Eze during a private bench conversation in the Gunners’ emphatic 4-1 North London Derby triumph over Tottenham Hotspur, debunking viral social media claims that he branded Spurs ‘trash’. The 27-year-old England international, substituted by Martin Odegaard with 15 minutes left, was seen chatting with Riccardo Calafiori and Noni Madueke as Arsenal sealed a crucial victory that extended their Premier League lead to five points. Lip reader Nicola Hickling’s analysis shows Eze expressing frustration with phrases like “It’s f****d” and “it’s all trash,” likely referring to the game’s chaos rather than direct insults at Tottenham.

What Did Eberechi Eze Exactly Say on the Bench?

Lip reader Nicola Hickling, speaking to Football London, provided a detailed breakdown of the Sky Sports footage. As reported by journalists at the Mirror, Hickling stated:

“[Eze] seems to express, ‘It’s f****d,’ while making a circular motion with his finger”.

She continued,

“He then adds, ‘It’s not working,’ lifting his shirt momentarily over his head and wiping his face before lowering it again. An off-screen voice, which is partially obscured, appears to respond to him”.​

Hickling elaborated further in the same analysis:

“Eze gestures with his hand and remarks, ‘Why should I,’ indicating a dismissive attitude. He seems to process the conversation while biting the edge of his shirt, replying, ‘Right now, yeah,’ before looking away and stating, ‘He tr ’em it’s, it’s all trash'”.

Football London reporters noted a similar transcript, confirming “trashedem…’s trash it’s all trash” amid the exchange, with Peter Drury’s commentary audible off-screen. This clarification came amid Arsenal fans’ online buzz interpreting the words as a direct slight on Igor Tudor’s Tottenham side.

Why Did ‘Trash’ Rumours Spread on Social Media?

The speculation ignited shortly after the match when portions of the bench footage circulated widely. Arsenal supporters on platforms like Facebook and Reddit believed Eze’s lip movements spelled out ‘trash’ in reference to Tottenham, fuelling memes and posts. As detailed in a Facebook post by AFC Football London,

“Eberechi Eze didn’t appear to pull any punches when he told Riccardo Calafiori and Noni Madueke exactly what he thought during the North London Derby”.​

This viral moment aligned with Arsenal’s dominance, amplifying the narrative. Mirror journalists highlighted how the 27-year-old’s earlier substitution—after propelling the Gunners—sparked the misinterpretation, with fans claiming he dismissed Spurs outright. The rumours swirled as Arsenal fans revelled in the derby win, their biggest away success against Tottenham since 1978.

How Did the North London Derby Unfold?

Eze opened the scoring in the 30th minute, striking past Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario from close range. Just two minutes later, Randal Kolo Muani equalised, capitalising on a mistake by Declan Rice, as reported in Al Jazeera’s match coverage.

Viktor Gyokeres restored Arsenal’s lead in the 47th minute with a shot from the edge of the box, followed by Eze’s second in the 61st minute off a Bukayo Saka rebound. Gyokeres sealed the 4-1 scoreline in stoppage time. The Sun’s Dean Scoggins described Eze as exposing Spurs with a “chess master brain” in the mauling.

What Was Eberechi Eze’s Role in Arsenal’s Victory?

Eze’s brace took his tally against Tottenham to five goals this season, including a prior hat-trick. BBC Sport noted his importance in proving doubters wrong with key goals late in the campaign. In post-match comments to club media, Eze said,

“We played with dominance today, showcasing confidence and a strong connection on the pitch. It was a special performance that we can build upon as we aim for our goals. We understand the atmosphere these games create and the energy the fans bring, which we need to be emotionally prepared for”.

As per BBC reports, he added:

“They deserve a lot of credit. The players showed immense ability and talent, threatening to score from various angles”.

Eze reflected humbly:

“To be honest, I probably should have scored four. I’m always aiming to find the net and seize my opportunities. It’s crucial to be relentless. We concentrate on ourselves and our daily efforts. Our performances are not coincidental”.

What Did Eberechi Eze Say Post-Match About Tottenham?

When probed on his scoring record against Spurs, Eze responded coyly to Sky Sports, as covered by Football London: “I don’t know. I aim to score in every game. It seems to work quite well against Tottenham. It’s just a feeling you get”. Earlier in the season, after a hat-trick, he issued a five-word rebuff to transfer links: refusing to discuss snubbing Tottenham.

In a separate interview, Eze elaborated on his approach:

“I always aim to get into those positions to create space, to put in the hard work and seize those chances. It’s a long journey to reach that point. Today, it worked out well, and I’m thankful for it”.

He praised the team:

“We delivered a solid performance and achieved what we set out to do, which was crucial. We are aware of our potential and what we can accomplish”.​

Who Is Lip Reader Nicola Hickling and How Reliable Is She?

Nicola Hickling is the founder of LipReader, a company specialising in forensic lip-reading and expert witness services using AI and visual cues. Her analysis has been cited in multiple outlets for high-profile football incidents. Hickling’s methodology involves frame-by-frame review, accounting for context like gestures and obscured speech, lending credibility to her Tottenham findings.

What Are the Implications for Tottenham and Arsenal?

The defeat piles pressure on Tottenham manager Igor Tudor, whose tenure began poorly, contrasting his usual strong starts.

Cartilage Free Captain noted Spurs’ struggles under new management, with only five days’ preparation. For Arsenal, the win reignites title hopes, extending their lead over Manchester City.

Eze’s form—haunting Spurs again—bolsters Arsenal’s attack, as per Al Jazeera. Fans on Reddit praised teammates like Merino for complementing Eze’s role.

Background on Eberechi Eze’s History with Tottenham?

Eze, formerly linked with a summer move to Spurs, has now scored five against them. Tottenham Hotspur News reported his five-word response post-hat-trick: brushing off the saga. His “chess master” displays, per The Sun, expose Tottenham repeatedly.

This incident underscores the intensity of the North London Derby, where every word and gesture fuels rivalry. Arsenal’s dominance continues, while Tottenham seek stability.