The air crackled with anticipation as Arsenal dismantled Wigan in the FA Cup, a performance that ignited a debate: could this be their year for an unprecedented quadruple? Former player Owen Hargreaves didn’t hesitate, declaring Arsenal the clear favorites in the Premier League and a force to be reckoned with in the Champions League.
But Hargreaves cautioned that the coming months would be the ultimate test. Success isn’t guaranteed; it demands a relentless push to finally seize victory from the jaws of near misses. While a quadruple is a monumental ask, even securing two trophies would represent a remarkable achievement for Mikel Arteta and his squad.
The spotlight shone particularly bright on two of Arsenal’s summer acquisitions: Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke. Eze, a £67.5 million signing, emphatically responded to recent criticism following a quiet first half against Brentford. He wasn’t just playing; he was dominating, a whirlwind of precision and speed.
Hargreaves described Eze as “incredibly sharp,” highlighting a performance where every touch, every pass, felt decisive. After being labeled a “passenger” just days prior, Eze had transformed into the undisputed man of the match, showcasing the immense potential that convinced Arsenal to invest so heavily in his talent.
Arsenal legend Martin Keown echoed the praise, acknowledging the challenge of integrating into a team brimming with stars. However, he urged Eze to embrace a more attacking role, to push higher up the pitch and leverage his exceptional passing range. Keown wants to see the moments of brilliance he delivered for Crystal Palace – including a memorable FA Cup final winner – replicated in an Arsenal shirt.
Keown pinpointed a crucial learning curve for Eze, stemming from a defensive lapse in a December defeat to Aston Villa. It was a wake-up call, a reminder that defensive responsibility is paramount at this level. But ultimately, Keown believes Eze’s true value lies in his attacking prowess, his “electricity” with the ball, and his ability to score spectacular goals.
Alongside Eze, Noni Madueke also drew significant acclaim. Hargreaves lauded the £50 million winger’s intelligence and goal-scoring instinct, emphasizing his astute decision-making – knowing precisely when to link play and when to exploit space in behind the defense.
Madueke’s awareness and tactical understanding were on full display against Wigan, solidifying his place as a valuable asset in Arteta’s dynamic attack. As Arsenal prepares for a challenging week – facing Wolves in the Premier League and then a fierce North London derby against Tottenham – the contributions of both Eze and Madueke will be critical.
The question isn’t just whether Arsenal *can* win it all, but whether these key players can consistently deliver the moments of magic needed to transform potential into tangible trophies. The stage is set, the pressure is mounting, and the final stretch of the season promises to be a thrilling spectacle.
