Mohammed Kudus Bullies Eberechi Eze in Physical Duel Despite Tottenham 4-1 Loss to Arsenal
- Mohammed Kudus once again proved why he is regarded as one of the English Premier League’s most powerful attackers during Tottenham’s clash with Arsenal
- The 25-year-old finished on the losing side, but he still earned praise for his performance, particularly for winning a physical duel against Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze
- A sports journalist described Kudus' performance as "quite disappointing" but expressed belief in him to rediscover his mojo
- Kudus' Spurs will now shift their focus to Champions League duties as they prepare to face Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, November 26
Mohammed Kudus hoped for a fresh start after weeks on the sidelines, but his long-awaited return took a painful turn as Tottenham Hotspur crashed to a heavy 4-1 defeat against Arsenal on Sunday, November 23.
The Ghana international had been out since sustaining a knock in the clash with Chelsea on November 1, and his comeback came against Tottenham's fiercest rivals, Arsenal, in the North London Derby.
Source: Getty Images
His introduction to the derby offered anticipation, yet the evening quickly slipped away from him and from Spurs.
Kudus worked tirelessly but struggled to influence the contest. He played 78 minutes, completed a single dribble from three attempts, lost possession nine times and managed four ground duels and one interception.
He did not register a shot on target and ended the night with a Sofascore rating of 6.6. Brennan Johnson replaced him as Tottenham searched for answers.
According to Goal, Arsenal took control early through Leandro Trossard before Eberechi Eze delivered a brilliant hat-trick that sealed the result.
Richarlison struck a fine consolation, but it barely softened the disappointment for Spurs supporters.
The Gunners extended their dominance in this fixture as the atmosphere inside the Emirates Stadium grew louder with each goal.
Kudus dominates Eze in physical duel
Although the match offered little joy for the visitors, there was one moment that caught the attention of many Ghanaians.
In the 20th minute, Kudus clashed with Eze in a shoulder-to-shoulder battle that drew applause even from neutral viewers.
The Black Stars player stood firm, used his balance well and muscled the Arsenal playmaker off the ball before driving forward.
The clip spread online within minutes, though the excitement around it faded because Tottenham could not match that intensity throughout the game.
Below is the video:
Kudus will now redirect his energy as Spurs prepare for a difficult Champions League encounter away to Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday night.
The Lilywhites arrive in France desperate to end a two-match winless run across all competitions.
The meeting brings back memories of their previous encounter four months ago, when Tottenham lost a 2-0 goal advantage before falling to the French giants in a dramatic Super Cup shootout.
Source: Getty Images
Kudus backed to bounce back after Arsenal defeat
YEN.com.gh spoke with Stephen Zando, who shared his assessment of Mohammed Kudus’ performance in the North London derby:
"It was quite a disappointing performance for Mohammed Kudus by his own standards, largely due to a lack of match fitness and Arsenal's game plan mapped out against him.
"Not to single out only Kudus but in general, Tottenham did not show up for the contest - it was a one-sided affair.
"The road ahead will not be easy, but I expect Kudus to gain increased rhythm and improved match sharpness to help him regain his influence as Tottenham continue their journey in the 2025/26 season."
Abu Francis' injury was meant for Kudus
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that a Ghanaian prophet claimed Mohammed Kudus was the real spiritual target behind the injury that sidelined Black Stars midfielder Abu Francis.
The injury has ruled Francis out of the entire 2025/26 season, meaning he will also miss next year’s FIFA World Cup.
Source: YEN.com.gh
