Eberechi Eze was substituted at half-time during the Arsenal vs Brentford match, which ended in a 1-1 draw. His performance in the first half didn’t meet expectations, leading to questions about his £67.5 million transfer.
The game was tightly contested, with neither team able to dominate.
Eze started in midfield but struggled to make an impact as Arsenal had difficulty maintaining control. As a result, Mikel Arteta opted to replace him with Martin Odegaard at halftime to bring more creativity to the team.
Following the match, Arteta discussed the substitution with TNT Sports, outlining the reasons behind the change.
The 27-year-old, playing his first Premier League match in two months, failed to assert himself on the game, while Odegaard’s introduction helped Arsenal briefly take the lead. However, Brentford quickly equalized, leaving Arsenal with just one point.
Eze’s inconsistency has been a concern since he joined from Crystal Palace in August. He has scored five goals and provided two assists, but most of his impact was felt in November during a memorable hat-trick against Tottenham. Since then, his form has dipped, raising doubts about his ability to consistently contribute to Arsenal.
Arteta on the Half-Time Change
Arteta explained that the substitution was based on tactical needs, indicating the team required a different strategy to handle Brentford’s pressing.
He noted, “Yes, it was a tactical choice. We needed a different profile because of how they were pressing, and we started the second half much better.”
After the break, Arsenal appeared more energized and gained better control of the game, aiming for more balance in midfield with Odegaard and Bukayo Saka’s involvement.
Martin Odegaard Receives Treatment During the Game
After the Arsenal vs Brentford match, there was concern regarding Martin Ødegaard’s fitness following a knee injury he sustained.
Arsenal dropped two crucial points in the Premier League title race, while Manchester City capitalized on the outcome. The Gunners took an early lead with a goal from Noni Madueke, but Brentford’s Keane Lewis-Potter equalized shortly afterward.
Before the match, there was positive news as captain Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, and Leandro Trossard returned from minor injuries and were available, with Trossard even starting the game. Odegaard replaced Eberechi Eze at halftime but soon faced a knee issue while trying to prevent Lewis-Potter’s attack. He remained on the ground receiving treatment, causing concern among Arsenal fans regarding his health.