Mikel Arteta’s favoured starting XI at Arsenal is becoming clear since the summer transfer window closed.
The arrival of eight new players in the summer changed how the Arsenal manager looks at his squad, with the likes of Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyokeres walking into the starting lineup.
The summer break has also changed Arteta’s perspective on the defence, as Riccardo Calafiori is preferred to Myles Lewis-Skelly, symbolising plenty of change on the left side.
In attack, Gabriel Martinelli is better as a substitute, which has given Arteta a decision to make over Eberechi Eze, Leandro Trossard and Noni Madueke.
While Trossard and Madueke’s claim to the starting XI fluctuates, it’s so clear that Eze is a locked-in starter, and for good reason.
Eberechi Eze is undroppable in Arsenal’s starting XI
If snubbing Tottenham to sign for Arsenal wasn’t enough to become an instant hero, Eze’s hat-trick against Spurs was.
The 27-year-old scored three times in the North London Derby by doing what he does best: shooting.
When it comes to firing shots on goal, Eze is head and shoulders above the rest in the Arsenal squad, which is why he’s got an undroppable status.
| Player | Total shots |
| Eberechi Eze | 31 |
| Bukayo Saka | 23 |
| Riccardo Calafiori | 20 |
| Viktor Gyokeres | 20 |
Arteta’s summer signing is joint-fourth in the table when it comes to total shots on goal in the Premier League this season, with 31.
Given that there has been discourse about how Arsenal aren’t as potent from open-play as they are from set-play, which has since been disproven, Eze’s desire to try his luck is welcomed.
The former Crystal Palace star gives the Gunners something that was lacking last season: a genuine goal threat whenever he’s facing the goal.
Mikel Arteta is still unsure of Eze’s role in the starting XI
Eze’s recent success is a joy as much as it’s a hindrance for Arteta, who now has a call to make in attacking midfield because of Martin Odegaard’s return.
The Englishman was Odegaard’s natural replacement in the number ten role, but now that the Arsenal captain is back, Eze may accommodate him by moving to the left.
Eberechi Eze or Martin Odegaard? 😳
Should Eberechi Eze be Arsenal’s first choice ahead of Martin Odegaard? Comment to share your opinion!
There’s an argument to be had over Eze’s positioning, as he’s clearly best in central areas rather than on the flank, but leaving out the club captain isn’t a long-term option.
Has there ever been an instance of a player whose status as a starter is so sure yet so in question with regard to his position?
The primary thing is that Eze offers Arsenal something they’ve missed dearly, making him one of the first names on the teamsheet.
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