Is Arsenal's star midfielder Eberechi Eze losing his way under Mikel Arteta? It's a question echoing through the Premier League, especially after a recent performance that left even legendary striker Alan Shearer pondering his future.
Arsenal boasts one of the most formidable squads in the league, a collection of talent that should, in theory, make any player shine. However, Alan Shearer, a name synonymous with Premier League goalscoring, has voiced concerns about Eberechi Eze, suggesting he appeared 'lost' during a recent match. This lack of consistent game time under Mikel Arteta, Shearer believes, could have a significant ripple effect, potentially impacting Eze's aspirations for the upcoming World Cup.
But here's where it gets complicated... Eze's recent statistics paint a somewhat stark picture. Since netting a memorable hat-trick against Tottenham in the North London derby back in November, he hasn't registered a goal or an assist in the Premier League. Across all competitions since his August move from Crystal Palace, he's accumulated five goals and five assists in 34 appearances. While these numbers aren't terrible, they don't quite reflect the explosive potential many saw when he joined the Gunners.
In a recent 0-0 draw against Brentford, Eze was substituted at halftime. Mikel Arteta explained the decision as a tactical one, stating the team needed a 'different kind of profile' to counter Brentford's pressing game. This substitution marked his first start since mid-December, a stark contrast to his earlier involvement. For the four games following that Wolves victory, he remained on the bench, only to be brought on as a substitute in subsequent Premier League fixtures.
Shearer elaborated on his observations, noting, "Mikel Arteta has got one or two things that he needs to iron out. I mean, the situation with Eze against Brentford was surprising a bit because he seems lost or at least he did in that game." He continued, "He took him off at half time and they got a little bit better. They put more pressure on Brentford and then they got the goal. But I thought Brentford were worth their point at least."
And this is the part most people miss... Shearer's assessment of Eze's current state is quite poignant. "Eze looks lost. It's remarkable really, isn't it? The guy we're talking about who scored the hat-trick in the North London Derby. Everyone was thinking, wow, what a player he is and what a time he's going to have at Arsenal." He vividly described the initial impression: "The way he sort of walked out full of confidence in that Arsenal stadium when he got his move and he looked as if he was a natural fit and, and belonged there. But he looked lost against Brentford. He looked as if he needed the world to swallow him up. He didn't look comfortable at all."
The implications for his international career are also a major concern for Shearer. "He won't be in the England squad if he's not going to be playing. I think that was his first start from mid-December last year as well. He's hardly had any starts as well and that has to change if he's going to get in the England squad."
Could this Sunday's FA Cup fourth-round tie against Wigan Athletic offer a fresh start for Eze? Arsenal, who haven't advanced past the fourth round since 2020, will be looking to correct that trend, and this match presents a significant opportunity for the team, and perhaps for Eze to rediscover his form.
What do you think? Is Eberechi Eze genuinely struggling under Arteta, or is this just a temporary dip in form? Can he still make a strong case for an England call-up? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
