Arsenal head into the second leg against Atletico Madrid with everything still to play for after a 1-1 draw in Spain.
The first leg was full of controversy, but the bigger issue for Mikel Arteta was that he could not field his strongest possible XI.
Bukayo Saka was not fit enough to start, while Kai Havertz missed out entirely due to injury. Eberechi Eze, who picked up a knock in the win against Newcastle, also had to settle for a place on the bench.
That could change in the second leg, and Steven Gerrard believes it absolutely should.
First leg ends 1-1. Tell us what will happen in Arsenal’s second leg vs Atletico Madrid
Steven Gerrard tells Mikel Arteta to start Eberechi Eze in Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid second leg
Eze has quickly established himself as one of Arsenal’s most dangerous and unpredictable attacking players.
The former Crystal Palace star brings something different to this side. His ability to glide past players, create space out of nothing and produce moments of magic in tight games are what the Gunners need right now.
That is something Arsenal lacked at times in their Champions League semi-final first leg clash, especially when Atletico tightened things up in the second half.
Martin Odegaard remains a key creative force, but when he is well-marked or not at his best, the North Londoners can look short of ideas.
Gerrard, who knows exactly what it takes to dominate big European games, believes Arteta has to make that call in the return leg at the Emirates.
He said on TNT Sports after the game: “I think they’re a really good combination (Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi), and Odegaard complements both of them.
“They’re a real good trio. But I think in the second leg, they’ve got to get Eze on the pitch.
“I think he gives them just that little bit more spark, a little bit more power. He just looks that little bit different for me.”
Agree or disagree: This is Arsenal’s best starting XI right now
There’s just one position Eberechi Eze can start in right now at Arsenal
Fitting Eze into the starting line-up is not entirely straightforward, and that is where Arsenal boss Arteta has a decision to make.
In an ideal world, the Englishman would play in his natural number 10 role, where he can influence the game centrally and get on the ball as much as possible.
However, that position is occupied by Odegaard, who remains undroppable despite recent criticism. Behind him, Rice and Zubimendi are the foundation of Arsenal’s midfield, and neither is likely to be sacrificed.
That leaves the left wing as the most realistic option, and we think it actually suits Arsenal perfectly right now. Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli have both struggled for consistency in that role, and neither has done enough to guarantee a start.
With Piero Hincapie capable of overlapping from left-back, Eze would have the freedom to drift inside and operate in central areas anyway.
That balance could unlock Arsenal’s attack and give them the edge they need to get past Atletico in the second leg.
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