Eberechi Eze has outlined how a late approach from Arsenal changed the course of his summer. Spurs appeared to be leading negotiations in mid-August after James Maddison suffered a serious knee injury and the accepted departure of Son Heung-min led Tottenham to seek a new creative outlet. Talks were held, personal terms had been accepted and Crystal Palace were reportedly content with a £55 million ($73.2 million) fee on the table.

Speaking during a return to his former secondary school, Eze acknowledged the strength of Tottenham’s position. “I was prepared to go to Tottenham,” Eze admitted, as quoted by The Athletic, “but from the moment Arsenal came, it was always going to be them.”

Those Arsenal discussions were not brand new. Eze had a meeting with Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta several weeks before Tottenham formalised their interest, informing his boyhood club he was eager to return to the Emirates. The Gunners had been weighing options that included Morgan Gibbs-White and Morgan Rogers before Eze intervened.

On the day he was due to sign for Spurs, the 27-year-old rang Arteta to check whether a move to Arsenal remained possible. When a £67.5 million deal was later completed, the Spanish manager reflected, “That shows you how much he wanted to come,” underlining the forward momentum behind the transfer.

Adjustment to Arsenal has presented challenges. Eze arrived from a Crystal Palace side built to sweep forward on the break and has yet to replicate his previous creative output. Across seven Premier League appearances for Arsenal this season, he has created just two chances from open play, fewer than seven of his teammates.

Crystal Palace travel to the Emirates on Sunday afternoon with a compact shape that is likely to limit the space Eze enjoyed at Selhurst Park, but Arteta remains confident the midfielder can make an impact on what promises to be a “special” occasion.

The Premier League places constant demand on defenders, and only a handful sustain the form and influence that mark the league’s elite. This piece presents a concise assessment of the current top 15 defenders based solely on the traits and milestones noted in the original draft.

Pedro Porro remains one of the most attack-minded full backs, excelling down Tottenham Hotspur’s right flank with an excellent eye for a pass and growing leadership responsibilities under Thomas Frank. Micky van de Ven returned to full fitness after missing a large chunk of last season to injury; his recovery pace, composure on the ball and strength in the tackle make him a standout central option.

Reece James has endured lengthy injury battles but, when fit, offers a sensational two-way athleticism capable of locking up attackers and delivering dangerous crosses; he is comfortable in central defence and in more advanced midfield roles. Murillo, following his 2023 move to Nottingham Forest, combined relentless defending with a willingness to drive from the back and play line-breaking passes, prompting expensive links to Europe’s elite.

Tino Livramento demonstrated his potential after bouncing back from a devastating injury, contributing both in attack and defensively for Newcastle United. Daniel Muñoz, signed by Crystal Palace in January 2024, is praised for elite athleticism and devastating bursts down the right wing.

Cristian Romero blends composed defending with aggressive intensity, backed by experience that includes World Cup and Copa América wins plus the 2024–25 Europa League. Ibrahima Konaté developed through French and German football and now anchors Liverpool with added intelligent positioning and movement to complement his physical attributes.

Marc Cucurella’s route from Barcelona’s academy through Getafe and Brighton & Hove Albion has led to a revival at Chelsea under Enzo Maresca, often deployed in an inverted role. Jurrien Timber overcame a devastating ACL injury suffered 50 minutes into his Premier League debut and has returned to provide versatile defensive cover for Arsenal, reflecting his Ajax education.

Marc Guéhi pairs aerial presence and defensive basics with uncommon composure on the ball and remains Crystal Palace’s captain as his contract situation draws attention. Rúben Dias, a standout in 2020–21, remains a Manchester City mainstay with four Premier League title spines to his name. Gabriel’s understated aggression and set-piece threat have made him indispensable at Arsenal, while Virgil van Dijk’s wider reputation endures despite a less favourable 2025–26 campaign.

The Premier League returned from the October international break with a weekend of decisive results and notable individual displays. Big wins at the top of the table and upheaval at the bottom produced the performances below.

Igor Thiago (Brentford) delivered a defining showing at the London Stadium. He struck the bar early, then “found the back of the net with a scrappy effort” and later saw a dinked attempt ruled narrowly offside. Thiago registered six shots, one fewer than the entire West Ham side across 90 minutes.

Eli Junior Kroupi (Bournemouth) starred in a 3–3 draw at Selhurst Park. The 19-year-old had two shots, both on target and both goals: an early close-range header and an emphatic volley just before the interval. It was his first Premier League start since his £12 million ($16.1 million) move from Lorient on Deadline Day, taking his tally to three goals in 96 minutes of Premier League action.

Chelsea’s right-sided duo combined to sweep aside Nottingham Forest in a 3–0 opener. “Both players left the game with a goal and an assist to their names.” Neto set up Josh Acheampong’s header and then scored from a quick free kick after a set-up by James, while the Blues captain finished the scoring with a late thumping effort.

Nordi Mukiele (Sunderland) scored his first goal for the club in a 2–0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers. The 27-year-old right back led the match with 15 successful duels, winning 10 aerially and five on the ground, a display that helped preserve Sunderland’s run of form under Régis Le Bris.

Danny Welbeck (Brighton & Hove Albion) showed composure to chip over Nick Pope and later produced a late effort to seal a 2–1 win at Newcastle United. Erling Haaland (Manchester City) continued his scoring surge with goals 16 and 17 of the season against Everton, despite recording a match-low 29 touches.

Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace) capped the weekend with a hat-trick. His hold-up play created a tap-in shortly after the hour, he equalised five minutes later, and he converted a stoppage-time penalty after Ryan Christie’s 89th-minute strike had appeared to settle the match for Bournemouth.