Jamie Carragher Issues Live On-Air Apology to Eberechi Eze Following Arsenal’s 4–1 Win Over Tottenham

Uh Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal wrapped up a hectic Premier League weekend with a commanding 4–1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the first North London Derby of the 2025/26 season — and it was Eberechi Eze’s stunning hat-trick that stole the spotlight. His performance was so impressive that Jamie Carragher publicly apologised on live television for previously downplaying the midfielder’s impact.

Eze, who moved to the Emirates in the summer for £60 million plus £7.5 million in add-ons, left Crystal Palace despite having a verbal agreement with Spurs. He arrived as part of Arsenal’s ambitious recruitment drive, joining Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, and Cristhian Mosquera.

Reflecting on his earlier comments, Carragher admitted: “When Eze signed, I wasn’t convinced he’d be a game-changer. Les Ferdinand, who knows him better than I do, said there was more to come — and he was right. We’ve seen some brilliant goals already this season, and then he scores a hat-trick tonight, so I have to apologise.”

With captain Martin Ødegaard sidelined through injury, Eze has seized the chance to take control of Arsenal’s midfield. Thierry Henry has even suggested that Ødegaard may not automatically regain his starting spot once fit, given Eze’s form. Carragher echoed that view, confessing he underestimated the significance of the signing.

“I misjudged how important he could be for Arsenal’s title push,” Carragher said. “Looking at their summer transfers with my Liverpool mindset, it felt like only Gyokeres was a guaranteed starter. The others looked like depth options — Madueke to cover Saka, Eze for Ødegaard, extra centre-backs for rotation.”

Eze, however, has quickly proved he offers much more than squad depth. Known for his creativity and versatility, he has won over Arsenal fans both with his performances and with his pointed five-word response when asked about his near-move to Tottenham earlier this season.

“Let’s not speak about that,” Eze said — becoming the first Arsenal player since Alan Sunderland in 1978 to score a hat-trick in a North London Derby. The 27-year-old added: “It feels great. It was an enjoyable day, and I’m happy to help the team. It’s special.”