£30m Arsenal star will surely be worried after watching ‘amazing’ teammates display vs Newcastle
Arsenal went two points behind league leaders Liverpool with a 2-1 win away at Newcastle United on Sunday.
Arsenal were denied a penalty against Newcastle early on after Nick Pope was adjudged not to have fouled Viktor Gyokeres.
Nick Woltemade beat Gabriel Magalhaes in the air to give the hosts the lead, but a late double from Mikel Merino and the Brazilian gave Arsenal a 2-1 win over Newcastle.
Arsenal will now face Olympiakos in the Champions League, before clashing with West Ham United ahead of the international break.
Eberechi Eze delivers number 10 masterclass in Newcastle United win
During Eberechi Eze’s time at Crystal Palace, manager Oliver Glasner waxed lyrical over the Englishman.
Speaking after their FA Cup quarter-final win over Fulham, the Austrian said via The Independent: “He always has the confidence, we know he’s an amazing finisher to cut inside on his right foot with an amazing finish.”
Against Newcastle, Eze showed why Carragher’s comments were justified, putting in a perfect display as a traditional number ten behind Viktor Gyokeres.
Eze operated in the famed ‘zone 14’, dictating Arsenal’s attacking play and generating a high volume of quality chances for Arteta’s side.
The Englishman was bought by Arsenal for £67.5 million from Crystal Palace, and he has strengthened Arteta’s attacking options at the Emirates Stadium.
Martin Odegaard faces uphill battle to return to Arsenal’s starting lineup
Martin Odegaard, who joined from Real Madrid for £30m, is Arsenal’s club captain, but will be facing an uphill task to return to Arteta’s starting 11.
Arteta opted for Eze against Newcastle, and his showing has left Odegaard out of the running despite his role in the squad’s leadership hierarchy.
| Eberechi Eze vs Newcastle United | Stats |
| Total shots | 4 |
| Chances created | 1 |
| Dribble success | 100% |
| Passes into final third | 3 |
| Touches in opposition box | 6 |
Odegaard has returned from injury but has now dropped down the pecking order behind Eze, who has proven to be the creative fix to Arsenal’s lack of open play chances.
Arteta will enjoy the selection dilemma between picking Odegaard and Eze in the coming weeks, but both will want to feel they’re getting their fair share of minutes as Arsenal hunt for silverware this season.