Eberechi Eze: Seeking Form Amid Arsenal's Expectations

Eberechi Eze's current form at Arsenal has raised eyebrows, with the forward netting just once in nine outings this season. Known for his flair and creativity, Eze has wowed fans throughout his career, but lately, his magic seems to have dimmed. His first Premier League start of the season came during Sunday’s narrow 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest. Unfortunately, Eze was substituted at half-time after merely completing nine passes and recording 22 touches, leading many to wonder if he can recapture the brilliance he once showcased. This isn’t the first time Eze’s place in the squad has been scrutinized. A lapse in concentration during a match against Aston Villa in December 2025 saw him sidelined for several games, despite earning a starting position soon after. Even England manager Thomas Tuchel noted that Eze is “coming back to his true shape and form,” suggesting he hasn’t hit his stride yet this season. The pressure on Eze has intensified, especially since Arsenal failed to secure a top-tier attacker during the transfer window. Despite their interest in high-profile players like Vinicius Jr. from Real Madrid and Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid, they ended up signing Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge. Tzolis started the campaign as Mikel Arteta’s preferred winger until a hamstring injury sidelined him, opening a door for Eze. Eze did manage to impress with a goal against Lille in the Champions League, but his inability to follow up that performance against Forest has left fans wanting more. Former Arsenal defender Matt Upson weighed in, stating, “Finding his role and position has been challenging.” He emphasized that at a club with Arsenal's stature, consistency in performance is crucial to securing a spot in the lineup. Currently, Eze is filling in on the left side, a position that may not maximize his talents. Upson commented, “He doesn’t play like a wide player for me,” indicating that Eze’s strengths may be better utilized elsewhere. During his time at Crystal Palace, Eze was known for scoring spectacular goals, including a memorable winner in the 2025 FA Cup final against Manchester City. Upson remarked, “The high-end stuff we saw from him made him a target for Arsenal,” but without a solid foundation in his gameplay, delivering those standout moments becomes increasingly difficult. In his Palace days, Eze thrived in a more central role, but with Martin Odegaard firmly established as Arsenal's primary number ten, Eze faces limitations in breaking into that position. Upson believes that understanding his role and adapting to the demands of a top club like Arsenal are essential for Eze’s growth. While some argue that Eze hasn’t been given a consistent run in one position, statistics tell a different story. Last season, he started 36 of Arsenal's 63 matches, translating to a 57% starting rate since his debut in August 2025. Despite the struggles, Eze has delivered in crucial moments, netting 11 goals in 61 appearances, including significant contributions against rivals like Tottenham and his former team, Crystal Palace. Fans can take heart as there are signs of improvement. Although the sample size is small, Eze's per 90-minute stats this season have shown a positive trend in assists, goals, and other metrics compared to last season. Mikel Arteta remains optimistic, stating, “We have some really good players and the expectations are so big for all of them.” He believes that pushing each other will elevate both individual and team performances. Next up for Arsenal is a Champions League showdown against Bayern Munich on Wednesday at 20:00 BST.