Man City clash revealed what Mikel Arteta privately thinks about ‘magnificent’ Arsenal player

Add as preferred source on Google

Before a ball was kicked in Arsenal’s meeting with Manchester City, one player learned what Mikel Arteta really thinks of him.

The Arsenal manager’s squad selection was always going to be a talking point, particularly after the Gunners’ defeat to Liverpool. 

Arteta was criticised for his lineup at Anfield, which was deemed too conservative, with particular attention focused on the number ten role. 

Ahead of Arsenal’s meeting with Manchester City, the position was a talking point again, as Eberechi Eze was denied the chance to play in his favoured role. 

• READ MORE: Mikel Arteta has implemented a new rule at Arsenal, it’s costing players money every week

Mikel Arteta’s thoughts on Eberechi Eze now made very clear

Eze has been branded ‘magnificent’ since joining Arsenal, in what was one of the Gunners’ most exciting signings during the summer.

The North Londoners knew they’d acquired one of the best central attacking midfielders in the Premier League, but Arteta doesn’t deem the Englishman to be a player ready for that role in the Arsenal squad. 

Such became even clearer as Arsenal’s starting XI was revealed to face City, seeing Eze drop to the bench to accommodate Leandro Trossard, while Mikel Merino started in the number ten role once again.

Being a playmaker by trade and an incredibly direct runner through the central channels, the decision not to start Eze, even with Martin Odegaard out injured, speaks volumes.

Arteta has shown early into Eze’s Arsenal career that he does not see the 27-year-old as a number ten in his squad, with Merino preferred to the frustration of many.

Eze hasn’t played one minute centrally since signing for Arsenal, despite key absences in his favoured position, making Arteta’s thoughts clear. 

Arteta could live to regret Eze snub

It took the summer signing no time at all to show off his creativity, as Eze assisted Viktor Gyokeres with a first-time cross against Nottingham Forest.

After that contest, Eze and Gyokeres’ budding partnership was noticed, but one game later, and the Englishman has been dropped. 

Arteta was scolded after the action at Anfield for starting Merino in attacking midfield, a decision that could be questioned again after Man City’s visit to the Emirates.

For Eze, a thought might be had to when he will get the chance to show his ability in the central area, with his manager clearly not sold on his role in the squad.