Wayne Rooney has boldly predicted that Arsenal will come out on top against Liverpool on the 8th of January if Mikel Arteta makes the decisive call to start Eberechi Eze, with the former Manchester United captain insisting the Crystal Palace star could be the key difference in what promises to be one of the most defining Premier League clashes of the season.
Speaking in the buildup to the game, Rooney made it clear that this is the kind of fixture decided by moments of quality rather than tactics alone, and in his view, Eze is exactly the type of player capable of producing that moment when it matters most.
According to Rooney, Arsenal have evolved into a team that controls games through structure, intensity and discipline, but what has occasionally been missing in the biggest matches is unpredictability in the final third. He believes Eze offers that spark, describing him as a player who can “unlock a defence with one touch, one turn, or one burst of acceleration.” Rooney pointed out that Liverpool’s high defensive line, combined with their aggressive pressing, can leave spaces between midfield and defence, and that is where Eze thrives best. In Rooney’s assessment, starting Eze would force Liverpool to rethink their approach, as his ability to drift between the lines could disrupt the rhythm of their press.
The former England striker also highlighted how Arsenal’s recent performances against top-six rivals have shown maturity, but stressed that Liverpool at Anfield or in a high-stakes neutral atmosphere is a different challenge altogether. Rooney suggested that games like this are often decided by who dares to take responsibility, and he believes Eze is ready for that stage. He noted that Eze has grown significantly over the last two seasons, adding goals and assists to his natural flair, while also improving his work rate and defensive contribution, qualities that Arteta values highly.
Rooney went on to explain that if Eze starts, Arsenal can dominate the central areas more effectively. With Declan Rice providing balance and protection, and Martin Ødegaard orchestrating play, Eze would be free to express himself higher up the pitch, creating overloads and pulling Liverpool’s midfield out of shape. Rooney believes this could open up space for Arsenal’s wide players to exploit, particularly when Liverpool’s full-backs push forward. In his view, this tactical dynamic could tilt the game firmly in Arsenal’s favour.
There was also praise for Arteta’s courage as a manager, with Rooney stating that big matches require bold decisions. He recalled his own playing days, emphasizing that managers who trusted creative players in pressure situations were often rewarded. Rooney suggested that leaving Eze on the bench would be a missed opportunity, especially against a Liverpool side that thrives when games become predictable and end-to-end. Starting Eze, he argued, would send a strong message that Arsenal intend to control the narrative of the match rather than simply react to Liverpool’s intensity.
From Rooney’s perspective, confidence will be crucial, and Arsenal appear to have it in abundance. He pointed to their recent run of results and the growing belief within the squad that they belong at the very top. Adding Eze to the starting lineup, Rooney said, could elevate that belief even further, as teammates trust players who are brave on the ball and willing to take risks. He described Eze as a “fearless footballer,” someone who doesn’t hide when the pressure increases, but instead demands the ball.
As the January 8 showdown approaches, Rooney’s prediction has added extra intrigue to team selection debates among Arsenal fans. He made it clear that while Liverpool remain a formidable opponent with match-winners of their own, this is a game Arsenal can and should win if they get their approach right. In his final assessment, Rooney was emphatic: start Eberechi Eze, back Arsenal’s attacking quality, and the Gunners will have enough to edge past Liverpool and make a powerful statement in the title race.