Eberechi Eze’s Arsenal struggles have raised concerns over whether Mikel Arteta’s system is allowing the England international to make the most of his strengths.
The 28-year-old has not started a Premier League match this season and has generally been used as a substitute or in a wider position, a marked change from his time at Crystal Palace.
Eze was given greater freedom at Palace to move into central areas, receive the ball between the lines and influence attacks. At Arsenal, his role on the left has been more structured, with less scope to operate in those positions.
Eberechi Eze Arsenal role comes under scrutiny
Mick Brown, a former Manchester United chief scout, believes the midfielder is not currently showing the same form he produced at Palace.
“Eberechi Eze is starting to become quite a serious concern for Arsenal,” Brown said.
“I don’t think it’s harsh to say we’re not seeing the same player there as we saw at Crystal Palace, but there are very clear reasons for that, and it’s not necessarily his fault.
“Arsenal have been playing him on the wing more often this season, and he’s never been a touchline winger, it’s not a position that allows him to maximise his talents.
“Plus, the way Arsenal play and set up isn’t best suited to his skillset either, there’s a lot of focus on just keeping the ball and it can be quite risk-averse.”
Eze has started only two matches in all competitions this season and is yet to score. His Premier League involvement amounts to 70 minutes across four games.
He did start Arsenal’s 1-0 Champions League victory at Napoli, but was substituted after 65 minutes. In the 4-2 Carabao Cup win over Ipswich, Max Dowman and Noni Madueke produced the more notable attacking contributions.
Arsenal may need to adjust Eze’s position
The difficulties appear to be tactical rather than evidence of a sudden decline in Eze’s ability. Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard remains an influential central presence, while the club’s other midfield options make it difficult for Arteta to simply place Eze in his preferred position.
However, continuing to use him as a conventional winger could restrict the qualities that made him an attractive signing. Allowing Eze to move inside and attack space may offer Arsenal a way to get a more productive performance from him.
