Tottenham 1-4 Arsenal: “Overrated” Star Criticised After “Painful” Showing
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Supporters have turned on an “overrated” Spurs star following what many described as a “painful” performance in Tottenham’s heavy 4-1 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.
Although it’s only February, tensions are already high at both ends of the Premier League table, and this North London derby carried huge significance. With two weeks to prepare and the optimism that often follows a managerial change, Tottenham were expected to deliver more in Igor Tudor’s first match in charge — even with injuries beginning to ease. However, the Lilywhites remain without a league win in 2026, and one of their marquee summer signings is failing to lift the team clear of growing relegation fears.
Eberechi Eze opened the scoring with his first shot on target since his hat-trick in the previous derby 91 days ago. Randal Kolo Muani quickly responded to level the game at 1-1. After the break, Viktor Gyokeres fired Arsenal ahead before both he and Eze grabbed second goals to seal a commanding victory for the league leaders, who restored their five-point advantage over Manchester City.
Xavi Simons Struggles as Eze Shines
Spurs had explored signing Eze in the summer, but his desire to return to his boyhood club led them instead to invest £51 million in Xavi Simons — a move expected to transform their midfield dynamics under then-manager Thomas Frank.
Yet while Eze struck his fourth and fifth goals of the season against Tottenham, Simons struggled badly. The former PSG prospect completed just 75% of his passes, lost possession 22 times, and failed in all three dribble attempts across the full 90 minutes.
Fans were quick to react on social media, with one describing him as “weak and fragile,” accusing him of repeatedly giving the ball away in dangerous areas and stalling counter-attacks. Others questioned his technical ability, while several labelled his performance frustrating and underwhelming.
Relegation Fears Growing for Spurs
Last season under Ange Postecoglou, relegation talk was largely tongue-in-cheek despite Tottenham’s disappointing campaign. But with no wins in their last 10 league games and sitting 16th — just four points above 18th-placed West Ham — the threat now feels far more real.
Rivals around them are picking up crucial points. Wolves recently held Arsenal to a draw, West Ham are unbeaten in three, and Burnley have shown resilience with key results, including a comeback win over Crystal Palace and a draw at Chelsea.
Tottenham still possess enough quality to mount a recovery, but at present, that much-needed upturn in form appears nowhere in sight.
