Mikel Arteta insists Eberechi Eze needs no extra motivation to shine at Arsenal as the playmaker looks to rediscover his consistency following a mixed start to life in north London.
The Arsenal manager admits he is still adapting to the nuances of the former Crystal Palace midfielder’s game, both emotionally and tactically.
The 27-year-old was instrumental in the recent 4-1 dismantling of Tottenham, scoring twice to add to the hat-trick he netted in the reverse fixture in November.
However, performances between those high-profile derby displays have been inconsistent, with the England international making just two Premier League starts since mid-December.
Motivation not an issue
Despite the fluctuation in playing time, the Gunners boss believes his summer signing remains fully committed to the cause.
“Motivation has never been an issue,” said Arteta.
“I believe that if you have to motivate a player then you have a big problem. Motivation is just talk, for someone to inspire you for a minute of an hour.”
“I think the biggest motivation he has is the reason why he came to this club. He really feels attached and belonging here.”
Arteta emphasised that the challenge lies in navigating the transition to a new environment and doing everything possible to make it work.
Chasing the quadruple
Eze faced scrutiny following a costly error during the 2-1 defeat by Aston Villa in December.
Yet, with Arsenal currently pursuing an historic quadruple, Arteta is hopeful the attacker can replicate his historical trend of finishing campaigns strongly.
The Spaniard also suggested the door remains open for Eze to operate from the left wing as he gains a deeper understanding of the system’s requirements.
“I hope that it’s the case and that he smashes it from here until the end of the season,” Arteta added.
Gyokeres finding his feet
Fellow summer arrival Viktor Gyokeres also impressed against Spurs, taking his tally to 15 goals across all competitions.
When asked about comparisons between the Swedish striker’s start and Didier Drogba’s debut season at Chelsea, Arteta used a colourful metaphor to dismiss unhelpful parallels.
“It’s always the case about who you compare with,” Arteta explained.
“I have a beautiful apartment, but this guy has the biggest mansion in the world. So my apartment is terrible.”
“I think what he is doing is improvable, yes. But his contribution has been important so far.”
Antoine Semenyo scored the only goal as Manchester City beat Leeds United 1-0 at Elland Road to move within two points of Premier League leaders Arsenal.
The £62.5m January signing from Bournemouth settled a tense affair in the absence of injured top scorer Erling Haaland.
Pep Guardiola’s side have now won four league games in a row to pile the pressure on long-time leaders Arsenal.
The Gunners host Chelsea on Sunday knowing their advantage at the summit has been significantly reduced with 10 games remaining.
Semenyo steps up in Haaland’s absence
“It means everything,” said Semenyo. “We just want to win with our games on our side and, whatever Arsenal do, we just have to wait and see.”
“We just need to control what we can control, win our games, and we will see what happens.”
The 26-year-old has now netted six times in 11 appearances across all competitions this year.
His form is proving vital for the defending champions, who had faced accusations of being overly reliant on their Norwegian talisman earlier in the campaign.
In late November, Haaland had accounted for 58% of the team’s league goals and taken 30% of their shots.
Guardiola praises ‘decisive’ impact
The forward reacted quickest to a Rayan Ait-Nouri cross to silence a raucous crowd in West Yorkshire with a clinical finish.
Guardiola was subjected to insults from the home stands during the match but blew kisses to his family at the final whistle.
“The reaction was amazing – unbelievable with the goal we scored,” said the City boss.
“A complete game in a tough, tough place, and 10 games left in the Premier League. Time to be decisive.”
“Now we are building these players and they have a long, long time here. It is important for the future for the club.”
Sharing the goalscoring burden
Only Haaland and Brentford’s Igor Thiago have been involved in more Premier League goals this season than Semenyo’s total of 18.
Since his move to the Etihad Stadium, the former Bristol City man has contributed four league goals and one assist.
That recent record is bettered only by Chelsea duo Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro.
With Haaland still leading the Golden Boot race on 29 goals, the emergence of a secondary scoring threat significantly strengthens City’s title charge.
Manchester United are working on a deal to sign RC Lens midfielder Mamadou Sangare for up to £35m as they prepare for Casemiro’s departure.
The Premier League side are reportedly identifying targets ahead of a significant midfield overhaul expected in the upcoming summer transfer window.
With Brazilian veteran Casemiro set to leave Old Trafford upon the expiry of his contract, the club are actively seeking a dynamic replacement.
Reports indicate that United have identified Sangare as a key option and are willing to pay a fee in the region of £35m to secure his services.
A box-to-box solution
While Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson reportedly remains a primary target for the club, Sangare has emerged as the leading candidate for a specific box-to-box role.
The 22-year-old has impressed in Ligue 1 this term, registering two goals and two assists in 21 appearances across all competitions.
Beyond raw attacking output, the Mali international has drawn praise for his defensive metrics, ranking among Europe’s top performers for duels and possession won.
Journalist Ben Bocsak has previously described the Lens standout as "one of the best midfielders in Europe this season" regarding his all-around contribution.
Uncertainty surrounds United engine room
The recruitment drive comes amid growing speculation regarding the long-term futures of Manuel Ugarte and club captain Bruno Fernandes.
With the potential for multiple exits, a defensive-minded presence with high energy levels has been prioritised by the recruitment team.
Sangare further bolstered his reputation on the international stage earlier this year, starting all five games for Mali at the Africa Cup of Nations.
It remains to be seen if the French club are open to a sale, though United appear ready to move early to secure the midfielder’s signature.
Hearts have taken a significant step towards a historic Scottish Premiership title by beating Aberdeen to move seven points clear at the summit.
Sir Alex Ferguson was the guest of honour at Tynecastle as the Edinburgh side ground out a vital 1-0 victory.
The legendary former Manchester United manager was the last boss to guide a non-Old Firm club to the trophy, achieving the feat with the Dons in 1985.
With just nine games remaining, the Jam Tarts are now firm favourites to end four decades of Glasgow dominance.
McInnes praises ‘raucous’ support
Manager Derek McInnes revealed he shared a drink with the 84-year-old Scot following the full-time whistle.
“We got him a nice bottle to take home with him but he opened it already,” McInnes said.
“I’m just glad he saw the team win, he saw Tynecastle the way it was today.”
The hosts were rarely threatened defensively, though the narrow scoreline added to the palpable atmosphere in the capital.
Claudio Braga proved the difference maker once again, netting the solitary goal to secure a second consecutive victory.
‘Unbelievable’ Braga drives charge
The Portuguese forward has been a revelation since arriving from Norwegian football, taking his tally to 15 goals in 35 appearances.
McInnes was quick to laud the contribution of his tireless striker, who is currently managing a groin issue.
“His output is unbelievable, it always has been,” the Hearts boss added.
“His fitness, he’s absolutely dedicated to his craft. He makes the sacrifices.”
Braga admitted the squad can feel the anticipation building within the stadium as the season reaches its climax.
“Now we’re getting to a point with maybe just a little bit more tension,” the match-winner told BBC Scotland.
“We feel it from the stands a little bit. It’s normal. At the same time, we know we can do this.”
Tough tests remain in run-in
Despite the comfortable cushion, significant hurdles remain in the quest to end a 41-year wait for a champion outside the Old Firm.
McInnes’ side face high-flying Motherwell twice before the campaign concludes.
Trips to Celtic Park and Easter Road are also likely post-split, alongside a visit from Rangers, who defeated them at Ibrox earlier this month.
Lamine Yamal has scored the first hat-trick of his career to inspire Barcelona to a comprehensive 4-1 victory against Villarreal in La Liga.
The teenage sensation produced a mesmerising individual display, headlined by a brilliant solo run and finish.
Yamal curled a precise effort into the far corner for his second of the night, a moment described by commentary as coming "out of absolutely nothing".
A milestone performance
This masterclass secured the match ball for the Spain international for the first time in senior football.
The La Masia graduate was the defining figure as the Catalan giants eased to three points away from home.
His second strike showcased exceptional balance and technique, leaving the Villarreal defence helpless.
La Liga statement
Barcelona’s emphatic win reinforces their attacking threat in the Spanish top flight.
The 4-1 scoreline reflected a dominant performance orchestrated by their young talisman.
Mikkel Damsgaard scored a stoppage-time winner as Brentford beat Burnley 4-3 in a Premier League classic, surviving a stunning comeback and a controversial late VAR decision.
Bees survive scare at Turf Moor
The Bees appeared to be cruising to victory after establishing a commanding three-goal lead inside the first 34 minutes.
However, the hosts mounted a remarkable recovery to level the score at 3-3, only for the Danish midfielder to strike his second of the game in the 93rd minute.
The drama did not end there, as Ashley Barnes thought he had salvaged a point for the Clarets in the 98th minute.
A lengthy VAR check ultimately ruled the ball had struck the forward’s hand, condemning Burnley to a defeat that damages their survival hopes.
Brentford blow early dominance
It was a chaotic afternoon in Lancashire that began with the visitors displaying ruthless efficiency in front of goal.
Damsgaard opened the scoring with a header before Igor Thiago finished a sharp counter-attack to double the advantage.
When Kevin Schade bundled home a third shortly after the half-hour mark, the home support began to voice their frustration at the shambolic defending.
But the visitors were offered a lifeline before the break when Michael Kayode diverted a cross into his own net.
Clarets complete comeback
Burnley emerged for the second half with renewed purpose and reduced the deficit further through Jaidon Anthony.
Kayode was unfortunate again, deflecting Anthony’s strike past his own goalkeeper Hakon Valdimarsson to give the home side real hope.
The comeback was completed on the hour mark when Zian Flemming powered a header home to send the Turf Moor crowd into raptures.
Flemming even had another effort disallowed for offside as momentum swung entirely in favour of the relegation-threatened side.
VAR denies Barnes heroics
Despite the shift in dominance, it was Thomas Frank’s side who reclaimed the lead against the run of play deep into stoppage time.
Damsgaard claimed the winner with Brentford’s first shot on target of the second half, sparking wild celebrations in the away end.
Yet the match had one final twist remaining when Barnes fired home what looked to be a dramatic equaliser.
Referee Samuel Barrott was not sent to the monitor, but VAR Paul Tierney adjudged there was a handball in the build-up.
The decision secured all three points for the London club in a game defined by attacking flair and defensive fragility.
Newcastle 2-3 Everton
Thierno Barry came off the bench to score a dramatic late winner as Everton inflicted a third successive home defeat on Newcastle United in a chaotic 3-2 victory at St James’ Park.
The substitute struck seconds after Jacob Murphy appeared to have rescued a point for the hosts with a fine volley in the closing stages.
It secured the Toffees a second consecutive win at this venue, though it required a stunning late save from England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford to confirm the points.
The result leaves Eddie Howe’s side with just one win in seven league games, compounding a miserable run of form on Tyneside.
Defensive errors prove costly
Everton started confidently and took the lead when Jarrad Branthwaite glanced James Garner’s corner in off the far post after 20 minutes.
The hosts responded through Jacob Ramsey, whose shot clipped Branthwaite and looped over the goalkeeper following excellent work from Joelinton and Sandro Tonali.
However, parity lasted just two minutes before a calamitous error from Nick Pope gifted Sean Dyche’s men the advantage again.
The Newcastle stopper fumbled a Dwight McNeil strike, allowing Beto to pounce from close range and restore the visitors’ lead before half-time.
Late drama at St James’ Park
Howe introduced Harvey Barnes and Murphy in a bid to salvage the game, but the Magpies remained vulnerable at the back.
Beto missed a golden opportunity to put the game beyond reach, firing against the crossbar after muscling Malick Thiaw off the ball.
That miss appeared fatal when Murphy dragged the North East club back into the contest with eight minutes remaining.
Yet the respite was short-lived, as Barry delivered the decisive blow almost immediately to send the travelling supporters into raptures.
Toffees eyeing Europe
The victory moves the Merseysiders up to eighth in the Premier League table, leaving them just five points adrift of the top six.
They have now reached the 40-point mark following a committed display that exposed their opponents’ fragility.
Conversely, Newcastle remain stuck in the bottom half of the table, facing a daunting schedule across three competitions in March.
Liverpool moved up to fifth in the Premier League after punishing West Ham with a devastating set-piece display in a chaotic 5-2 victory at Anfield.
Arne Slot’s side produced a clinical first-half performance to dismantle their relegation-threatened opponents.
Hugo Ekitike, Virgil van Dijk and Alexis Mac Allister all scored from corners before the break to expose the visitors’ glaring defensive frailties.
Reds ruthless from dead-ball situations
It was a brutal examination of West Ham’s setup, with Nuno Espirito Santo’s men having now conceded a league-high 15 goals from corners this season.
Ekitike opened the scoring inside five minutes before the Liverpool captain and Mac Allister struck to put the game largely beyond reach by half-time.
Goalkeeper Mads Hermansen was left helpless as the Merseysiders consistently won the aerial duels to take a commanding lead.
Tomas Soucek offered a glimmer of hope for the Londoners early in the second half, finishing a counter-attack to reduce the deficit.
Defensive woes continue for Hammers
Cody Gakpo restored the three-goal cushion in the 70th minute, making immediate amends for a clear opportunity missed moments earlier.
Valentin Castellanos pulled another back for the Hammers to make it 4-2, finding space at the back post from a corner to highlight Liverpool’s own occasional defensive lapses.
However, an own goal from Axel Disasi, forced by pressure from Jeremie Frimpong, capped a miserable afternoon for the visitors.
The result sees the Reds displace Chelsea in the European places, while West Ham remain in a precarious position near the foot of the table.