Eberechi Eze pledges Ronaldo-Speed celebration after Arsenal's Champions League win

Eberechi Eze has promised to perform a unique celebration combining Cristiano Ronaldo's 'Siuuu' and influencer IShowSpeed's signature bark after scoring his next goal for Arsenal. The pledge came after the midfielder lost a bet during a game of EA FC 27, providing a light-hearted subplot to a week where he found the net in a key 3-0 Champions League victory over Lille.

The story stems from a video game session where Eze faced social media star IShowSpeed. Playing as Paris Saint-Germain, Eze lost 5-4 to Speed's Bayern Munich side. As part of the bet, he agreed to let Speed choose his next real-life goal celebration. Eze rejected a 'berserk' dance and a backflip before settling on a hybrid of two iconic moves. "Send me that on a video and I'll do it," Eze concluded after the match. "I can't believe I lost." His usual celebration involves forming a cross with his fingers, a tribute to his Christian faith.

Eze made a significant impact off the bench in Arsenal's Champions League fixture. With the game poised, he slammed home a cross from substitute Bukayo Saka in the 67th minute. That goal was part of a blistering seven-minute spell where Jurriën Timber and Bukayo Saka also scored, turning a stubborn contest into a comfortable 3-0 win at the Emirates. The victory maintained the Gunners' perfect start to the new league phase of the competition. They next travel to face Bayern Munich on October 21.

Despite his European contribution, Eze is yet to start a Premier League game this season. He is in a direct battle for the number 10 role with captain Martin Ødegaard. Speaking to reporters after the Lille match, Eze addressed the intense competition for places head-on. "It's difficult. Of course every player wants to play and if you don't want to play, you're probably not in the right place," he said. "The mentality is always to always be on the pitch and to affect games and to earn your place. I'm doing what I can and I'm enjoying the challenge." He praised the quality around him, noting the ease of linking up with teammates who consistently find him in space.

Analysis following the Lille performance suggests Eze's situation is complex. His goal earned what some termed a 'reprieve'. The depth of Arsenal's squad, particularly in attacking midfield, means consistent opportunities are hard to secure. Manager Mikel Arteta's frequent tactical changes, described as 'curveballs' in one report, add another layer of challenge. Eze's task is to use every appearance, whether from the start or as a substitute, to make an undeniable case for more regular inclusion in the biggest domestic games.

• Eze vowed to perform a Ronaldo-Speed hybrid celebration after losing a video game bet.
• He scored Arsenal's second goal in a 3-0 Champions League win over Lille on October 17, 2026.
• The 27-year-old midfielder is competing with Martin Ødegaard for a starting spot and has not begun a Premier League match this campaign.
• Arsenal's next match is away to Bayern Munich in the Champions League on October 21.