Arsenal forward Eberechi Eze started his first Premier League match of the 2024‑25 season on Sunday in a 1‑0 victory over Nottingham Forest, only to be substituted at half‑time after completing nine passes and 22 touches, prompting questions about his ability to recapture the flair that once made him a fan favourite.
The 28‑year‑old’s recent spell of limited involvement follows a similar pattern earlier in the campaign when he appeared to “switch off” as Matty Cash scored Aston Villa’s opener in a 2‑1 defeat in December 2025, after which he started the next game but was dropped to the bench for four subsequent league fixtures. England manager Thomas Tuchel later noted during the last international break that Eze was “coming back to his true shape and form” in training, suggesting he has not yet reached his best level this season.
Arsenal’s inability to secure a high‑profile attacker in the summer transfer window – despite reported interest in Real Madrid winger Vinícius Jr and Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez – left the club reliant on the newly signed Greek winger Christos Tzolis. Tzolis, who had been Arteta’s first‑choice winger, suffered a hamstring injury on international duty, creating an opening for Eze, who scored on the left wing in a Champions League start against Lille but failed to replicate that impact against Forest.
Former Arsenal and England defender Matt Upson argued that Eze’s struggle stems from uncertainty over his role, saying, “Finding his role and position has been challenging… He’s now filling in a bit on the left‑hand side, which I don’t think particularly suits him.” Upson added that with captain Martin Ødegaard entrenched in the number 10 position, Eze’s pathway to regular minutes is further narrowed, making it essential for him to adapt to a defined role.
Upson concluded that Eze must “figure out” what is expected of him and raise his intensity to thrive at a club of Arsenal’s stature. The former Palace star, who once dazzled from a narrower number 10 role and scored the FA Cup final winner against Manchester City in 2025, now faces a pivotal period to adjust his game and earn a consistent place in Mikel Arteta’s lineup.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
