Eberechi Eze’s Mansfield moment may have unlocked something bigger

Eberchi Eze's Arsenal career so far has been defined by moments, rather than consistent performances. To date, he has scored eight times since making his dream move in the summer, of which five have come in North London derbies, very much enjoying facing Tottenham. Now though, are Gooners everywhere about to expirence "springtime Eze" for the first time?

Well, on Saturday, Eze was the match-winner as Mikel Arteta's team battled to a 2-1 victory over Mansfield Town at Field Mill in the FA Cup. This continues his exceptional form in springtime, producing significantly more in front of goal in March, April and May:

Eberechi Eze's goals and assists in springtime (2022-present)

Amazingly, across the last four years, 23 of Eze's 44 club goals (52%) have been scored in either March, April or May. This is despite the fact he's more just 50 appearances across these months, as oppose to 122 between August and February.

During his time at Crystal Palace, Eze very much had a tendancy to finish campaigns very strongly. In 2023, he bagged six goals across the final nine Premier League matches, before netting five times in his last six appearances a year later. Last season, he took this form to new heights. The England international scored six during the Eagles' last eight league outings, as well as finding the target during the FA Cup quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final itself, the match-winner against Manchester City at Wembley in May.

When he made the switch across London, Palace supporters jokingly said, just wait until the sun comes out, then you'll see a different Eze. Well, that prophecy may be coming true. So, can he become a key contributor for Arteta's team?

Well, with Martin Ødegaard and Mikel Merino sidelined, while Kai Havertz is continuing to rebuild his fitness, Eze will remain a central figure, both literally and figuratively. He is likely to start Wednesday night's Champions League last 16 tie against Bayer Leverkusen in-behind Viktor Gyökeres, after the duo were deadly against Tottenham recently.

Well, the big games keep on coming, because it is Everton on Saturday, the return leg at home to die Werkself next mid-week and then the small matter of the EFL Cup Final against Man City. As already alluded to, Eze has something of a history when it comes to scoring against the Sky Blues in Wembley finals. Thus, Arteta and every Arsenal fan world wide will hope that the springtime Eze phenomenon continues.