Gary Neville delivers Eberechi Eze jab at Tottenham – ‘That’s a low blow…’
Gary Neville poked fun at Tottenham’s failure to sign Eberechi Eze after the midfielder was unveiled before Arsenal’s match against Leeds United on Saturday.
Spurs had agreed a deal in principle with Crystal Palace for the England international, who was targeted after James Maddison underwent surgery on his anterior cruciate ligament.
But a late intervention saw Arsenal hijack the signing of Eze, who has now been unveiled at The Emirates Stadium.
The saga has evoked visceral reactions in North London, with a mural of the new Arsenal man vandalised by Spurs fans on Friday 22 August.
Gary Neville makes Eberechi Eze’s shirt jibe live on Sky Sports
Spurs were well aware of Eze’s preference over his future, when they approached Palace over a potential move this summer.
The midfielder is a publicly-admitted Arsenal fan, but the Gunners had not followed up on their initial interest, leaving the door open for a potential Spurs move.
And Eze appeared willing to accept the move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with the offer of Champions League football next season appealing to the 27-year-old.
News of Kai Havertz suffering an injury changed things, however. The German had picked up a knee problem against Manchester United, and Arsenal leapt into action.
| Tottenham midfield | Estimated return date |
| James Maddison | April 2026 |
| Dejan Kulusevski | January 2026 |
As soon as Mikel Arteta’s side entered the picture, Eze’s mind was changed, and the deal was done very quickly thereafter.
The midfielder’s arrival was confirmed in the build-up to Arsenal’s match against Leeds, followed by an on-pitch unveiling.
Eze then took his place in the stands, and Neville could not resist making a comment on the England international’s shirt.
“Does that say Spurs? That’s a low blow,” the pundit joked, referring to Eze’s shirt which appeared to read ‘spiral’.
Read more: ‘Tottenham fans will be furious, Thomas Frank needs to put his foot down now’
Tottenham must forget Eberechi Eze saga
Arsenal fans will likely not forget the circumstances surrounding the signing of Eze in a hurry.
But Spurs must, with just nine days of the transfer window remaining. Thomas Frank is still without an attacking midfielder at his disposal, with both Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski out injured.
The Dane’s side have not appeared to need one thus far, after beating Burnley and Manchester City, but the need will be certain to arrive this season.
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