Alan Shearer was really shocked about one thing Mikel Arteta did against Liverpool, ‘I don’t know…’

Add as preferred source on Google

Mikel Arteta has been placed under the microscope after Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield. 

The Gunners’ wait for a Premier League win at Anfield goes on as the three points remained on Merseyside on matchday three.

It was a hard-fought game between the two title-contending sides, who certainly could’ve offered more had the game been played later in the season.

For Arne Slot, it’s nine points from nine, but for Arteta, it’s another case of fine margins not going Arsenal’s way.

• READ MORE: Winners and losers from Arsenal’s clash with Liverpool including William Saliba and Gabriel Martinelli

Alan Shearer was surprised by Mikel Arteta’s squad selection 

Arteta’s game plan at Liverpool has been a talking point, as the decision not to start a creative midfielder was bewildering.

As seen against Newcastle, Liverpool’s midfield and defence were there to be tested, but Arsenal weren’t properly equipped.

The Arsenal manager’s decision over his starting XI has left many frustrated about what could’ve been from the fixture, with one call in particular leaving Alan Shearer ‘surprised’.

“I was a little bit surprised with Arsenal not playing Eze,” Shearer admitted on The Rest Is Football podcast. 

“I don’t know. I don’t think it’s as if he hasn’t played. He’s played Liverpool this season already.”

Not starting Eberechi Eze was an error from Arteta, as it was clear early on that the Gunners were lacking a figure who could play a killer pass or take on the opposition.

To make matters all the more frustrating, Arteta’s decision to call Eze out for not scoring against Liverpool angered fans.

Not starting Eberechi Eze cost Arsenal 

With Martin Odegaard not fit enough to start the game, many assumed that Eze would be granted his full Arsenal debut.

Others thought Ethan Nwaneri would start over Eze in the position, but instead, neither outcome prevailed.

In a game that saw both teams evenly matched, one piece of creative quality could’ve been the difference, but it wasn’t until the 70th minute that Arteta chose to introduce Eze and Odegaard.

Could more energy and creativity in midfield have made the difference? Hindsight would indicate that would probably be the case, giving Arteta a lot to consider over the international break.