Eberechi Eze vows to block outside noise as Arsenal aim to silence doubters

Eze is not bothered what rival fans think of Arsenal (PA)

Eberechi Eze has issued a defiant message to rival fans, stating he is unconcerned by their desire for Arsenal to falter and urging them to "deal with that" when the Gunners eventually end their trophy drought.

Arsenal have faced accusations of "bottling" their silverware aspirations, with their pursuit of four trophies this season now narrowed to two.

Manchester City currently sit six points behind in the Premier League title race, with a game in hand, having capitalised on Arsenal’s unexpected defeat by Bournemouth with a commanding 3-0 victory over Chelsea.

During the match at Stamford Bridge, a City supporter was seen taunting Arsenal by pretending to drink from an Arsenal-branded bottle, a clear jab at their rivals' recent near-misses.

Responding to claims that other fans wish to see Arsenal stumble, Eze remained unperturbed.

"I don’t care. I’m not too interested in what people think, and how they feel about us winning," he stated. "I just know that we’ve got a team that’s more than capable and has proven we’re of the highest level. And when we do win, it will be down to everyone to deal with that."

Rival fans appear to be enjoying Arsenal’s dip in form (Adam Davy/PA) (PA Wire)

He continued, emphasising the internal focus within the squad: "We know the opportunity we have and we know what is at stake, and what is possible and we have an opportunity to make history regardless of what people say outside.

“It is about us here and what we are doing, and we believe massively, and we have so much confidence in what we are doing. That has been the main message, to focus on what we are doing, and letting go of all the noise outside."

Eze made his return from a calf injury, which was initially expected to sideline him for six weeks, on the weekend, appearing as a second-half substitute in Arsenal’s defeat against Bournemouth.

He is now anticipated to start the second leg of his side’s Champions League quarter-final clash against Sporting Lisbon at the Emirates on Wednesday, with Arsenal holding a one-goal advantage in the last-eight tie.

The player, who has scored nine times for Arsenal following his £60million summer move from Crystal Palace, reflected on his recovery and the significance of European competition.

"Being injured is never fun or enjoyable," he admitted. "But it is an opportunity and a test for myself and what I am willing to do to come back as fast and as safely as I can, and the fearlessness that comes with doing what I have to do to come back stems from my faith and my belief."

He added: "The Champions League is special, growing up watching it on TV and dreaming to be playing in this competition and having it as a goal of mine from a young age. It is a very special thing which has happened, and I don’t take it lightly.

“To be in a position where we can win the competition, and we’ve got the actual opportunity to do that, that’s the most special thing and I’m grateful to God for it. We have to grab this opportunity with both hands."