Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner has openly admitted that his optimism of upsetting Arsenal in the EFL Cup tomorrow would significantly diminish if Mikel Arteta decides to start Eberechi Eze in the tie.
With both sides set to face off in a high-stakes domestic cup encounter, Glasner’s comments underline just how highly Arsenal’s attacking midfielder is regarded — even by opposition managers preparing to face him.
Speaking ahead of the EFL Cup clash, Glasner acknowledged the challenge of facing Arsenal under Arteta, describing the Gunners as one of the most tactically advanced and mentally dominant sides in English football right now. However, he made it clear that Eze’s inclusion in the starting XI would elevate that challenge to another level entirely.
“Cup games are always unpredictable,” Glasner reportedly said. “But if Arteta starts Eberechi Eze tomorrow, then honestly, you start losing hope of controlling the game. He’s a player who can decide matches on his own, especially in knockout football.”
The EFL Cup is often seen as a competition where rotation and experimentation take place, but Glasner believes Eze is the kind of player Arteta may rely on to ensure control and creativity from the first whistle. In knockout matches, where one moment of quality can end a team’s campaign, Eze’s ability to produce magic in tight spaces makes him a serious threat.
Since his arrival at Arsenal, Eze has adapted seamlessly to Arteta’s system. His dribbling, vision, and composure under pressure have added another creative dimension to Arsenal’s midfield, making them even harder to contain. For Palace, a club Eze previously represented, the danger feels particularly personal.
Glasner highlighted that Eze’s versatility is what makes him most dangerous in cup competitions. Whether operating centrally, drifting wide, or arriving late into the box, he forces defenders into constant decision-making — something that often leads to mistakes in high-intensity knockout matches.
“If you try to press him, he escapes,” Glasner explained. “If you drop deep, he finds a pass or a shot. In cup football, that’s deadly. You don’t always get a second chance.”
The Palace boss also stressed that Arsenal’s strength lies not only in individual talent but in how those players are integrated into a collective structure. With Declan Rice providing balance, Bukayo Saka offering width and penetration, and Martin Ødegaard controlling tempo, Eze becomes the unpredictable element that can unlock even the most disciplined defensive setups.
According to Glasner, preparing for Arsenal without Eze is one challenge; preparing for Arsenal with him is an entirely different task. He suggested that Eze’s presence forces managers to compromise their game plans, often leaving them exposed elsewhere on the pitch.
“Once you focus too much on one player, Arsenal punish you somewhere else,” Glasner said. “That’s why starting players like Eze gives them a psychological advantage before kickoff.”
Despite his honest assessment, Glasner insisted Crystal Palace would not approach the EFL Cup tie with fear. He emphasized the importance of belief, intensity, and taking advantage of the unique nature of cup football, where underdogs can still write memorable stories.
However, he admitted that Arsenal’s current momentum and confidence make the task even harder, particularly if Arteta opts for a strong lineup. The Emirates Stadium atmosphere, combined with Arsenal’s hunger for silverware, could quickly turn the match into a difficult night for the visitors.
From Arsenal’s perspective, Glasner’s comments reflect the growing respect — and concern — they command across English football. Opposition managers are now openly acknowledging that certain Arsenal players can influence matches psychologically before a ball is kicked. In knockout competitions like the EFL Cup, that mental edge can be just as decisive as tactical superiority.
As kickoff approaches tomorrow, Arteta’s team selection will be closely watched. Should Eberechi Eze be named in the starting XI, it would send a clear message of intent — that Arsenal are taking the EFL Cup seriously and are prepared to deploy their most decisive weapons.
For Oliver Glasner and Crystal Palace, Eze’s inclusion could turn an already daunting EFL Cup tie into a near-impossible challenge. For Arsenal, it could be the difference between progression and disappointment, as Arteta looks to guide his side one step closer to lifting domestic silverware.