Tottenham to request £52m refund as new Xavi Simons details emerge
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Football Insider or go back to LFC Live.
Viktor Gyokeres recaptured Arsenal‘s lead from the edge of the box, and Eze would get his second of the game and his fifth in the North London derby this season when he netted again in the 61st minute.The Swede would cap off the scoring by smashing in a second of his own, further dampening the mood at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Read more: Yves Bissouma set for Tottenham U-turn under Igor Tudor as full stats emerge vs ArsenalXavi Simons’ appalling stats vs ArsenalA narrative was created when Arsenal stole Eze away from Tottenham at the last moment, with the Lilywhites turning to Simons.
Xavi SimonsPremier League 2025-26Appearances21Goals1Assists4Chances created27Successful dribbles22Duels won97In both North London derbies, however, it has been the Arsenal man coming out on top.In November, Eze scored a hat-trick against Tottenham, and he added a brace on Sunday while Simons, again, could only watch on as the game passed him by. Simons did take a good shot at the start of the second half and created one chance, but it was a performance that lacked any bravery or even ability.The 22-year-old completed none of his four attempted dribbles, neither of his attempted crosses, and gave away two free-kicks.Read more: Declan Rice reacts as Gabriel takes cheeky swipe at Tottenham after Arsenal derby winEberechi Eze again shows Tottenham what they missed out onSimons is just 22, and clearly has a lot of development to undergo before he can make a consistent impact in the Premier League.
Considering Tottenham’s position now, however, it is becoming increasingly clear that they needed a player ready to make an impact immediately.Eze could have been that man, and he showed why on Sunday. Tottenham will hope that next season can be a better one for Simons, although they will need to make sure that second campaign does not come in the Championship.