Mikel Arteta makes Eberechi Eze demand ahead of Arsenal star's Crystal Palace reunion

Mikel Arteta has urged Eberechi Eze to concentrate solely on Arsenal ahead of the England star's emotional return to face former club Crystal Palace on Sunday.

The winger is poised to come up against his old side for the first time since his £60million switch to north London when the Gunners welcome Oliver Glasner's Eagles to the Emirates.

Eze enjoyed five seasons at Selhurst Park before penning a heartfelt farewell message to Palace fans following his Arsenal move in August. Yet with Arsenal determined to stay top of the Premier League table, Arteta is focused on delivering the club's first title in 22 years.

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The Gunners were held to a 2-2 stalemate by Palace at home in April, and when quizzed about Sunday's emotional significance for Eze, Arteta responded: "It's a big game for us, because last season here we dropped points so our focus is on that.

"We know that for Ebs it's going to be a very special match, with the history and what he did for Palace. There is something in the tummy (when you play against a former club).

"There are a lot of emotions, there are very close relationships, but the focus is on the team. And I am sure Ebs is going to be ready for that."

Eze's Palace farewell came in spectacular fashion, netting the decisive strike in May's FA Cup final victory over Manchester City to deliver the Eagles' maiden major honour.

However, he has managed just one goal – during a Carabao Cup win at Port Vale – across 10 outings for his new club. With captain Martin Odegaard still out due to injury, Eze is expected to retain his number 10 role this Sunday.

Arteta had high praise for the 27 year old Eze, stating: "He has done a lot of things very well,".

The Arsenal manager continued: "When you come to a different context, especially the amount of games he is playing – he hasn't played every three days that often – his ability and the capacity to perform has been really good.

"Our understanding of him is much better now as well, and the understanding of him towards what the team needs to exploit his qualities as well."

Arteta added: "What I like the most is his willingness to do everything that he can to help the team. There are certain parts that always need a bit of focus – can he do that? He is certainly doing it. The more he spends time with certain players the better he will become."