Arsenal fans are fuming at Eberechi Eze’s work rate off the ball as the winger struggled to make much of an impact against Chelsea.
The 27-year-old has not scored since his hat-trick against Tottenham in the North London derby on November 23, and has lost his place in Arsenal’s strong XI.
Fill in the blank: If I was Mikel Arteta, I would tell Eberechi Eze he must ____________ to play more at Arsenal… 🤔
Mikel Arteta has suggested that he’s saving Eze for certain situations; however, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the winger just isn’t offering enough all-round to the team.
During the first 45 minutes at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal supporters have once again been frustrated by their £68 million summer signing.
Arsenal fans slam Eberechi Eze’s work rate
Eberechi Eze’s time at Arsenal has not gone to plan so far, and his latest showing against Chelsea will certainly not help his case.
Martin Odegaard and even now Kai Havertz are both battling with him for the number ten role, with the Gunners’ captain often getting the nod.
Ever since Odegaard returned from injury, Arteta has seemed to favour the Norwegian international, and Eze’s game time has diminished.
But Arsenal fans have urged him to show much more out of possession for the Gunners, and were furious with his display against the Blues.
One fan said: “Eze is such a terrible player off the ball. It’s so annoying!”
“Eze doesn’t run at all. Not to support Martinelli. Not to defend. Not to press. He’s just in midfield doing nothing off the ball,” added another.
Imagine it’s the Champions League final tomorrow and you could only start one player out of Eberechi Eze and Martin Odegaard. Who are you picking and why?
There was yet more frustration aimed at Eze: “Eze annoys me with his too laid-back style. It’s why I would always prefer Odegaard.”
Finally, another added: “At least Odegaard looks busy when he’s not having a good game, but Eze is just watching, not even putting pressure to engage off the ball.”
In the first half against Chelsea, the former Crystal Palace forward completed just 13 passes, had 16 touches and missed one big chance.
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