Bukayo Saka’s start in attacking midfield against Wolves had Paul Merson thinking about what Eberechi Eze’s thoughts are.
Mikel Arteta hinted at Saka’s midfield involvement following the winger’s central start against Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup.
It wasn’t only Arsenal fans who were impressed with Saka in the number 10 role, as his manager saw the potential, handing the 24-year-old a consecutive start in the position.
Before Arsenal’s clash with Wolves at Molineux kicked off, Paul Merson reacted to the team news, asking an ominous question about Eberechi Eze.
AGREE or DISAGREE: Bukayo Saka is NOT a SUPERSTAR at Arsenal?
Paul Merson reacts to Bukayo Saka starting ahead of Eberechi Eze in midfield against Wolves
When the news broke that Saka would start in attacking midfield, Merson gave his immediate verdict on Sky Sports.
“If I was Eze, I’d be sitting there tonight thinking ‘Am I going to play for Arsenal too many more times this season?’” Merson said.
“For me, I thought they were bringing Eze in as the X factor, as that number 10, make things happen.”
Merson then referenced Eze’s two assists against Wigan only days prior to the Wolves match, suggesting that Arteta was taking a risk by starting Saka ahead of the former Crystal Palace man.
“You see his ball against Wigan the other day, through the eye of a needle, he can play that ball, he’s got that in him. He’s played there a lot more than Saka, and it’s not a position you go and throw someone in.”
Merson might’ve had experience playing in the number 10 role, but his concerns were proven to be needless soon after kick-off.
Eze concern justified as Saka made his mark immediately against Wolves
As Saka gave Arsenal the lead in the fifth minute of play, Merson’s worries about the forward’s lack of experience in midfield expired.
What the pundit was correct about, however, was how Eze must be feeling, even more so after Saka’s goal.
Fill the blanks, in order to get the best out of Eberechi Eze, Mikel Arteta needs to _______
The decline is there for all to see 😔
Eze’s competition has risen and risen this season, with the Englishman having challenged Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino, Kai Havertz and now Saka for minutes.
Having seen Saka score within five minutes of his first Premier League start in the role, there’s reason for the 27-year-old to feel unnerved.
There’s no doubt that Arteta would’ve been impressed by Saka’s start in midfield, giving Eze another hurdle to clear.
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