Eberechi Eze’s lack of game time at Arsenal has become an unexpected talking point, particularly given how promising his start to the season appeared. Early performances were strong enough for many observers to suggest he could displace Martin Odegaard, who was sidelined through injury at the time. That optimism has faded quickly, with Eze now spending prolonged spells on the bench and sometimes going several matches without featuring at all.
From early promise to limited minutes
The sudden shift in his role has surprised many supporters. Eze began the campaign with confidence and impact, showing creativity and control that seemed to suit Arsenal’s midfield. However, once Odegaard returned and reestablished himself, Eze’s opportunities diminished sharply. Despite his technical quality, he has struggled to force his way back into regular contention, raising questions about how he fits into Mikel Arteta’s system.
There is also the wider context of his move to north London. Tottenham had shown interest in signing him during the summer, but Arsenal entered the race late and ultimately secured his signature. With hindsight, Eze may be questioning that decision, as he would likely be starting matches more consistently at Spurs. At Arsenal, competition is fierce, and the lack of minutes has made it difficult for him to build rhythm or influence games from the outset.
Questions over role and deployment
While Eze is expected to continue working hard, few anticipated that he would struggle so noticeably at the Emirates. He has previously demonstrated that he can excel when used in his preferred role, which has led to criticism that his current deployment does not play to his strengths. Former defender Paul Parker has voiced that concern, suggesting the issue is more tactical than individual.
As quoted by the Metro, Parker said, ‘Eze was outstanding last season, I think he was the best attacking midfielder in the Premier League.
‘I think that freedom has been taken away from him by Mikel Arteta since going to Arsenal. They bought him for what he was delivering and then when they got him, they’ve tried to get him to do something different.
‘It doesn’t make sense for that kind of money.’
Those comments reflect a growing belief that Eze’s struggles are linked to being played out of position. If Arsenal want to maximise his talent, clarity over his role may be required. Otherwise, his situation could remain a frustrating one for both player and club.
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Nah, Eze is simply not doing the dirty work, which Arteta demands. He needs to press better and defend better to get into the team.
There’s a big problem at Arsenal. It may not be so obvious, since the team is doing well, but we have to keep our fingers crossed that things workout.
Merino is truthfully a second grade Midfielder, a plug-hole striker who grew up as a defender in his youth. When Arteta decides to deploy a world class midfielder like Declan Rice in defence, just like he did Partey, leaving Merino, a former defender and weaker DMF, it weakens the team, period. Thats a big problem.. Restricting Eze to only menial features of his allround game, so he plays like Merino, puts the latter ahead of him in the pecking order and that is a huge problem. The imposition of mediocre players in positions that can perfectly be filled by more technical players seems to favor Merino, for no other reason than being Spanish. Zubemendi is a great DMF,even though short on Partey’s penetrative passes and long shots at goal that gave us special goals. Goykerese would be a whole different animal altogether if Partey was there, but that’s water under the bridge. Our coach carries on his shoulders, responsibilities not assigned to him by the club: to grow and develop Spanish players, and that’s a huge problem.
Merino only played a few games in defence for Dortmund. Before and after his time at Dortmund he played in midfield.
As for Zubemendi, he’s a totally different DM to Partey. He plays more like Arteta did when he played for PSG and us.
As for developing players for Spain, I remember when our previous manager was buying French players and that worked out well for us.
Partey scored 9 goals in all competitions during his 5 years at Arsenal. Zubimendi has scored 3 in half a season.
The fact remains that Partey is the better player of the two.
Players have up and down period´s just look at Trossard who is getting better by each game, eze will evt come good but he will have to grind out the work
MA requiere´s from him !! Merino is doing it Ethan also… we are in 4 demanding competition´s and will
need all hands on deck if and when needed..
Also worth noting that Eze , even in his Palace days, used to have ordinary first halves of the season. He comes alive in the second half of the season. Should be more consistent.