Arsenal fans will be so relieved after what Mikel Arteta just said about Eberechi Eze

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Eberechi Eze’s start to life at Arsenal has been challenging because of Mikel Arteta’s plan for the summer signing.

Before joining the Gunners, the 27-year-old was regarded as one of the best central attacking midfielders in the Premier League. 

Since signing for Arsenal, Eze’s position has been a problem, with Arteta keen to play the England international on the left flank. 

Arteta didn’t start Eze in the number ten role despite Martin Odegaard being out injured, but soon into Arsenal’s draw against Manchester City, the boss knew what he needed to do. 

• READ MORE: Arsenal fans are in disbelief about ‘dreadful’ moment from star player against Man City

Mikel Arteta responds to Eberechi Eze position question 

Eze’s impact against Man City won Arsenal a point in the dying embers, as the playmaker lofted the ball over to Gabriel Martinelli to score a 93rd-minute equaliser. 

Ian Wright was shocked not to see Eze start against City, as were many others, as Arteta stuck with Mikel Merino in attacking midfield. 

Fans have been yearning to see Eze play in his favoured role, and, finally, the wait is over. 

The summer signing starred in midfield against City, and after the game, the Arsenal manager hinted that there’s more to come. 

When asked if he sees Eze as a central player in his post-match press conference, Arteta said something fans will love.

“Yes, that’s why he played today in that position,” the Spaniard responded.

Later in the press conference, a reporter asked Arteta what he thinks of Eze’s positional versatility, and what it could mean for the Englishman’s future. 

“Today he played a little bit more shifted to the right, and there was a reason for that,” Arteta explained.

“When play shifted from the left, whether it’s as an attacking midfielder, as a winger coming into that space as well, he’s someone that is very, very efficient and very creative.

“We know that, that’s why we brought him in. So we’re using him in different spaces.”

Eze’s impact vs Mikel Merino against Man City

When the starting XI was named, many were wondering what it would take to see Eze at number ten, particularly as Odegaard is still out of action due to injury.

It was deflating that the £67m signing’s introduction came at the expense of a terrible first half from Arsenal, with changes needed at half-time, starting with Merino.

While Noni Madueke’s substitution was due to injury, Merino being hooked was tactical, and it worked out for Arteta. 

Though the Spain international offers a lot when at his best, he’s not a creative midfielder, and Eze showed that when coming on in his place.

Arsenal needed that playmaking spark that the summer signing possesses, which just might’ve convinced Arteta to give Eze more minutes in his favourite role going forward.