Supporters were furious with the so-called “overrated” star after what many described as a “painful” performance in Tottenham’s heavy 4-1 loss to Arsenal on Sunday.
Despite it being only February, tension is already rising at both ends of the Premier League table, and this North London derby carried major significance. With two weeks to prepare and the optimism that often follows a managerial change, Spurs were expected to show more in Igor Tudor’s first match in charge — even accounting for an injury crisis that is slowly easing. However, the Lilywhites are still searching for their first league win of 2026, and one of their marquee summer arrivals is struggling to justify his fee as relegation worries grow.
Eberechi Eze opened the scoring with his first shot on target since netting a hat-trick in the previous derby 91 days earlier. Declan Rice quickly helped spark a response, setting up Randal Kolo Muani to level at 1-1.
After the break, Viktor Gyökeres fired Arsenal ahead before both he and Eze grabbed their second goals of the night, sealing a commanding victory that restored the league leaders’ five-point cushion over Manchester City.
Simons Struggles as Eze Shines
Tottenham had pushed to sign Eze in the summer, but his wish to return to his boyhood club forced them to turn to Xavi Simons instead. The club invested £51 million in the former PSG prospect, hoping he would transform their midfield dynamics under then-boss Thomas Frank.
Instead, as Eze struck twice again, Simons struggled to make an impact. Over 90 minutes, he completed just 75 percent of his passes, surrendered possession 22 times, and failed with all three dribble attempts. Fans vented their frustration online, questioning his technique and overall influence, with many branding his display deeply disappointing.
Relegation Fears Intensify
Last season under Ange Postecoglou, relegation talk felt exaggerated despite a low finish, largely because teams like Leicester City, Southampton, and Ipswich Town performed so poorly.
This time, the situation feels more serious. Without a win in their last 10 league games and sitting 16th — just four points above 18th-placed West Ham United — Spurs are in genuine danger of being pulled into a relegation scrap. Meanwhile, rivals are showing fight: Wolverhampton Wanderers held Arsenal to a draw in midweek, West Ham are unbeaten in three, and Burnley recently staged a comeback win over Crystal Palace before earning a point at Chelsea.
Tottenham may still possess enough talent to mount a revival, but for now, any sign of a turnaround remains out of sight.
