Mikel Arteta has faced continued scrutiny following his decision to start Eberechi Eze on the bench during Arsenal’s defeat to Liverpool last weekend. The result prompted questions from supporters and pundits alike, particularly given the absence of key players in the starting line-up.
The Gunners went into the fixture without Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka, although the Norway captain was available on the bench. In light of these absences, many fans had anticipated that new signing Eberechi Eze would be included in the starting eleven.
Impact of Eze’s Substitution
When Eze was eventually introduced during the match, he quickly demonstrated the qualities that make him a potentially decisive player for Arsenal this season. His creativity, intelligence on the ball and ability to influence the game highlighted the value he could bring if entrusted with regular playing time. Observers noted that his performance illustrated why he should feature more prominently in Arteta’s plans.
Looking ahead, Arsenal will face Nottingham Forest in the league after the international break, a fixture fans expect the team to approach with confidence and ambition. The selection of Eze could prove instrumental in securing a positive result, yet questions remain over whether Arteta will start the attacker. Jermaine Pennant, speaking on Talk Sport, expressed confusion over the decision to overlook Eze.
Pennant commented, “Why would you not go with Eze? He’s played all the games for Crystal Palace, and he’s match fit. It was Merino’s first start, so he’s not up to match fitness. It made no sense. When he [Eze] came on, he made a difference. You saw how intelligent, creative he was, and he would have scored if it hadn’t been for [Joe] Gomez.”
The Case for Regular Inclusion
Eze’s readiness and recent form make a strong argument for his inclusion in Arsenal’s starting eleven. Fans and pundits alike are calling for him to be integrated into the team as soon as possible, highlighting the potential impact he could have on the Gunners’ season. With the squad facing a demanding schedule, Arteta may need to consider the balance between experience and match sharpness, yet Eze’s performance against Liverpool underscores his capability to influence high-stakes matches.
Ensuring that Eze receives consistent opportunities could be key to Arsenal maintaining momentum in the Premier League, providing both creativity and tactical flexibility as the season progresses.
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Match sharpness and fitness? After starting Saliba on a bum ankle that lasted a whole 4 minutes, but there were concerns about Odegaard and Eze that kept them out of the starting lineup?
Sorry not buying that. IMHO Martinelli started because he is our best defensive winger, and USUALLY he gives Liverpool fits in the past.
Can’t blame Arteta for that one, but starting Merino was a bust, just like last year against Bournemouth; remember we lost 0-2, and many fans begged never to see a similar setup again.
Sorry but Merino is not an AM, little creativity, and if you saw during the Liverpool match, he consistently missed/overlooked Gyokeres and Madueke in the box; even when Madueke called for the ball several times in the box.
Merino as a backup striker if necessary, but never again should he be starting as an attacking midfielder; especially with Eze, Nwaneri, and even Dowman on the bench.
Merino lacks pace, creativity, and the ability to beat defender 1 v 1.
Arsenal lost to Bournemouth for different reasons. it’s quite inappropriate to imply that Arsenal lost these games largely due to Merino’s presence.
Merino is clearly not the most creative of midfielders. However, he can play an attacking midfield role and has done so for both club and country. He is tactically aware and has good technique.
This is early in the season with a team that’s still taking shape. The frontline hasn’t quite taken shape and early season injuries have disrupted the team’s preparations. Eze has just joined the squad. So it is understandable that he did not start.
Got to agree with Durand. No Odegaard the game was crying out for Eze to start. Match fit. Eager. Determined. Creatively superior. SMH.
Is anybody allowed to suggest such a thing ?
The Tony Adams article comes to mind a few weeks ago ,we had fans saying it was a disgrace to question the manager .
It seems on JA that if you question Artetas tactics ,either you are an over the hill former player or an armchair fan .
Which I find strange as JA is a forum for all things Arsenal ,I really do think some fans need to understand the meaning of an online forum as they wouldn’t exist without the customers input .
Onto the Article ,Arteta fcked up the game and we lost against Liverpool,not really much more to add .
This is the line up I want to see against Nottingham Forest, hopefully there would be no more injuries.
Gyokeres.
Eze. Odegaard. Madueke.
Rice. Zubimendi.
Calafiori. Gabriel. Mosquera. Timber.
Raya.
Strongly agree with your lineup, of course if saliba & saka fit will be our best XI
If what happened with the Liverpool game is the best of manager’s skills …… then we got a long season ahead!!
I completely have nothing personal against the man. Been following this club for >40 years now. Some decisions are utterly disrespectful of the passion we have for this club.
We aren’t sold to some attempted spinning so common after every match.
play Eze and drop Martineli, simple