Arsenal midfielder Eberechi Eze has displayed moments of his skill, particularly against Tottenham Hotspur, showing why he was a standout player at Crystal Palace. However, his first season at Arsenal has not met expectations. He tends to overcomplicate his play, aiming to be the star and taking too many touches.
Acquired for nearly £70 million after helping Crystal Palace win the FA Cup against Manchester City, Eze scored a hat trick and then a brace during two 4-1 victories over Spurs in the North London Derby.
Despite this, Eze has managed only one other goal for Arsenal in the Premier League this season. His contribution is particularly needed due to ongoing injuries and issues with captain Martin Odegaard’s form.
As a natural No. 10 who can also play on the wings, Eze excels when he has space to penetrate defenses, using his ability to shoot from distance or create opportunities for teammates with precise passes.
However, Arsenal’s playing style is different. The team focuses on a compact approach, managing possession and making it challenging for opponents to score.
When in possession, Arsenal prefers to use the width of the pitch while maintaining quick passing and shape. Eze can fit into this system, but his tendency to dwell on the ball often undermines both his effectiveness and the team’s flow.
This habit is detrimental for Eze. He often holds the ball too long, which disrupts team dynamics and leads to lost opportunities. Arsenal requires quicker decision-making from him, especially in transition. When that’s not possible, he should aim to pass or shoot sooner to keep the play alive and maintain momentum.