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mikel arteta has told Eberechi Eze that his focus should be on armory on the eve of England International’s “Special” crystal Palace reunion
Eze is set to face his former team for the first time since his £60million transfer to north London when Arsenal host Oliver Glasner’s side at the Emirates on Sunday.
Eze spent five years at Selhurst Park and posted an emotional message to the club’s supporters upon completing his move to Arsenal in August.
However, Arsenal want to maintain their place at the pinnacle of the Premier League and Arteta has been tasked with ending the club’s 22-year wait for the title.
Arsenal drew 2-2 with Palace at the Emirates in April and when asked about the importance of Sunday’s match for Arsenal, Arteta replied: “It’s a big game for us, because last season we dropped points here, so our focus is on that.
“We know it’s going to be a very special match for Abes, the history and what he has done for Palace. There’s something in the stomach (when you play against a former club).
“There are a lot of emotions, very close relationships, but the focus is on the team. And I’m sure Abs will be ready for that.”
Eze signed for his old club by scoring the winning goal in May’s FA Cup Final over Manchester City to secure Palace’s first major trophy. But he has scored only once in 10 matches for his current employers – in the Carabao Cup win at Port Vale.
Eze is likely to continue in the No. 10 role alongside the captain on Sunday martin odegaard Still out due to injury.
“He has done a lot of things very well,” added Arteta of Eze, 27.
“When you come into a different context, especially with the number of games he’s been playing – he’s not often playing every three days – his ability and ability to perform has been really good.
“Our understanding of him is much better now, and our understanding of what the team needs to exploit his qualities is also much better.
“The thing I like most is his willingness to do whatever he can to help the team. There are some areas that always need a little bit of attention – can he do that? He’s definitely doing that. The more time he spends with some of the players, the better he’ll become.”