Eze’s struggles at Arsenal are becoming impossible to ignore
It was a frustrating Sunday for Arsenal, as they narrowly beat Nottingham Forest 1-0 at the City Ground, keeping them just three points behind Man City in the Premier League. It was a tough watch, as the Gunners failed to record a single shot on target until the goal in the 80th minute.
Noni Madueke was able to break the deadlock as he cut inside from the left and took a chance with a shot that was deflected and found the net. Madueke was really the bright spark in that second half, as Mikel Arteta substituted him on for Eberechi Eze in the left-wing spot.
Eze had really struggled in the first half and looked uncomfortable on the left wing. The England international was given the chance because of Christos Tzolis' injury and the fact that Arteta's options at left wing are very limited following Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard leaving in the summer transfer window. Plus, the former Crystal Palace star scored in midweek against Lille in the Champions League.
It was a lineup decision that really backfired for Arteta, hence why he chose to bring on Madueke, a decision which proved to be the game-changing move.
Eze's struggles can't be ignored
It's been a rough start to the season for Eze, who has really struggled to find a meaningful role in this Arsenal team. Sunday was his first league start of the season, and aside from that, he's yet to record a goal or assist in the Premier League and looks to be destined for the bench. Former Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew said after the game that he is worried for Eze, suggesting that he doesn't fit in either the left-wing or number 10 role under Arteta. He said on talkSPORT: "In the way that he [Arteta] sets up his number 10, I don’t see him [Eze] getting a lot of action there. There’s a real defensive side to that number 10 position that he [Arteta] likes, which Eze doesn’t do
"I’ve seen him out on the left side for Crystal Palace actually a few times; it’s just not him. I don’t think Eze’s going to be a starter for most of the games; I think he’ll be a sub, and if they need a moment, to give him the last 10 or 15 minutes of the game."
Pardew may be right in that the height of Eze's usage at Arsenal could simply be as an impact sub, which feels like a waste of a talented player, but it feels like a harsh reality. It would be impossible to call Eze's £67.5 million price tag a complete waste, as he has provided some big moments for Arsenal (mostly against Spurs last season), but it is a lot of money for a player who seems destined to sit on the bench, and it feels like there's no easy solution.
