Paul Merson has questioned whether Eberechi Eze can establish himself at Arsenal after the England international was substituted at half-time during the 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
Eze, who joined Arsenal from Crystal Palace, started on the left wing but endured an ineffective 45 minutes. He failed to register a shot or complete a dribble before being replaced by Noni Madueke, who scored the winner in the 80th minute.
Paul Merson questions Eberechi Eze’s prospects at Arsenal
Speaking after the match, former Arsenal midfielder Merson said Eze was facing a different challenge at a major club, where players are expected to follow a defined tactical structure rather than operate with complete freedom.
“I’ve played for big teams and I’ve played for teams that weren’t big – it’s a different game. Eberechi Eze is a prime example. It’s so, so different,” Merson said.
He added: “He was substituted at half-time against Forest, but if he played like that for Crystal Palace, he would still be on the pitch. You’ve got to perform at Arsenal. You’ve got to play in a shape. You can’t just play your own game. You can’t be a free spirit at big clubs anymore.”
Merson contrasted Eze’s role at Palace with the competition for influence within the Arsenal team, naming Bruno, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice as players through whom the ball can also be directed.
“The lad can play. He’s a lovely player, but I don’t know if he’ll be lovely for Arsenal,” Merson said. “I don’t know if he’ll get the chance because as soon as he doesn’t do well, he’s off. Arsenal have too many players on the bench, so it’s easy to take him off.”
Eze has yet to reproduce consistently at Arsenal the form that made him one of the Premier League’s most exciting attacking players at Crystal Palace. With competition for places across Mikel Arteta’s attack, he faces a difficult task to secure a regular starting position unless he adapts quickly to the team’s tactical demands.
