LONDON, ENGLAND — Eberechi Eze is facing a difficult battle to secure a regular starting place at Arsenal. The midfielder has struggled to find consistency since his move to the club.
According to Football London, Arsenal spent £67.5 million to sign the 28-year-old from Tottenham Hotspur. The club expected him to add creativity, goals, and attacking quality. However, Eze has yet to start a Premier League match this season.
Limited Playing Time
Eze has played in three matches across all competitions. He has completed 233 minutes of football. Despite his involvement, he is yet to record a shot on target this season.
His opportunities have also been affected by the emergence of Christos Tzolis. The Greek winger has become another option on the left side of Arsenal’s attack.
Statistical Decline
The statistics show that Eze’s attacking output has dropped compared with last season. He is currently creating 1.16 chances per 90 minutes. This is down from 1.21 last season.
His shots per 90 minutes have also fallen. They dropped from 2.45 to 1.55. There has been an increase in his dribbling attempts. Eze is averaging 4.25 dribbles per 90 minutes. This is up from 2.43 last season. However, his successful dribbles have slightly decreased, from 1.24 to 1.16 per 90 minutes.
Impact When Given Opportunity
Despite the slow start, Eze has shown he can make an impact. He provided an assist during Arsenal’s 4-2 Carabao Cup victory over Ipswich Town. This demonstrated the attacking quality that convinced the club to invest heavily in him.
At his previous club, Crystal Palace, Eze was particularly effective as a left-sided No. 10. The system gave him freedom to move around, receive the ball, and influence attacking situations. Adapting to Arsenal’s system and the competition for places has presented a different challenge.
Competition for Places
Eze is now competing with several players for attacking positions. Tzolis has made a strong impression. He scored and provided an assist for Greece during the international break. Other players in Arsenal’s attacking and midfield group are also pushing for regular opportunities.
With Arsenal facing a busy schedule across different competitions, Eze should still have chances to show his quality. However, he will need to make a strong impression when those opportunities arrive.
Expectations and Future
The £67.5 million investment shows the expectations surrounding the midfielder. His place in the starting team will ultimately depend on his performances. Eze will now be looking to rediscover the form that made Arsenal bring him to the club. He must convince Arteta that he deserves a regular role in the team.
