Rio Ferdinand says Eberechi Eze has lost the selfishness that made him such a threat for Crystal Palace and the midfielder is ‘sacrificing parts of his game’ for the greater good at Arsenal.

Eze continued his outstanding start in north London derbies with a stunning double as Arsenal ran out comprehensive 4-1 victors at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday.

The brace took Eze’s personal tally to five goals in his last two matches against Spurs, three months on from his hat-trick heroics in the reverse fixture at the Emirates.

It meant the Gunners finished the weekend with a five-point lead over second-placed Manchester City, who had defeated Newcastle 2-1 24 hours earlier.

While Eze will no doubt be delighted with his contribution, there continues to be debate and discussion surrounding the England’s international’s role in what has been a mixed debut season under Mikel Arteta.

Eze is yet to establish himself as a guaranteed starter at Arsenal, with Martin Odegaard’s fitness problems opening the door to his selection against Tottenham following a substitute appearance at Wolves.

And given the Gunners parted with such a large fee to Eze away from Selhurst Park last summer, questions have been asked...