Eberechi Eze was Arsenal’s source of inspiration against Wigan with two assists, but he still tripped at one hurdle that Mikel Arteta is desperate for him to clear.
Arteta applauded Eze’s performance against Wigan, as, admittedly, no one could deny how good the playmaker was in the first half.
The Englishman earned two assists in the space of seven minutes during the first half, feeding upon Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke’s desire to run in behind Wigan’s defence.
The connection between the playmaker and the front line of attack was everything Arsenal have been missing in recent weeks, but Arteta will still have one critique of Eze’s display.
What impressed you the MOST about Eberechi Eze’s performance against Wigan?
Eberechi Eze was still so weak in duels against Wigan
Eze ended a 10-year wait for Arsenal against Wigan, becoming the first Gunner to provide two assists in an FA Cup match at the Emirates since Hector Bellerin in 2016.
It was a statement display from the summer signing, but for all of his positivity in the final third, he was the worst on the pitch in an area that Arteta would’ve been watching like a hawk.
Arteta hates when his players lose duels, and Eze did that more than anyone else against Wigan, losing six of the 11 he contested.
Some might be asking, who cares after such a masterful, creative performance, but when it comes to the Arsenal manager, we all know how important it is for systematic demands to be met.
Given that duel-winning is a non-negotiable in the Arsenal squad under Arteta, it’s an area that Eze needs to improve, even after putting on such a mesmeric display.
Mikel Arteta needs to change, not Eze
Arteta has driven Arsenal to where they are, but not everything the boss does delights fans.
One of the most common frustrations that supporters have with the manager is the desire to put control on the pedestal over excitement.
🤔 What GRADE would you give Eberechi Eze’s first season at Arsenal so far?
With Eze, Arteta must break the mould, as while the England international isn’t a renowned duel winner, his creative freedom can make Arsenal a far better team.
Seeing attackers play with freedom isn’t familiar within Arteta’s squads, but things need to change if Arsenal really want to get the best out of Eze.
There’s a top-class player sitting there waiting to transform the Gunners’ attack; all Arteta needs to do is release him from his shackles.
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