Ally McCoist thinks he has the key to help Mikel Arteta unlock misfiring Arsenal star
Ally McCoist believes he has found the answer to free up a stuttering Arsenal star as Mikel Arteta looks to push on to win the title after three successive second place finishes.
The Gunners have come back from the international break looking to get back on track following their frustrating 1-0 defeat to Liverpool before the two-week hiatus.
Ange Postecoglou assumed the reigns at the City Ground as Nottingham Forest faced Arsenal in a nightmare start for the Australian, losing 3-0.
Yet, every Gunners fan will be keeping an eye on their new signings with Noni Madueke leaving Chelsea deemed a major mistake for the Blues.
Former Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze joined Arsenal but has not quite been able to get off the mark yet with former Rangers striker McCoist weighing in on the debate over his best position in Arteta’s team.
Eberechi Eze should not be used on the left says Ally McCoist
The Englishman made his full home debut against Forest this afternoon (13 September), lining up on the left-hand side of a front three alongside Viktor Gyokeres and Madueke.
Ex-player turned pundit McCoist was puzzled as to why the 27-year-old wasn’t starting more centrally for the Gunners, despite grabbing his first assist for the second Arsenal goal in the second half.
The Scotsman said (TNT Sports, 13 September 1.20pm): “I’d like to see him [Eze] a bit more central to tell you the truth.
“The thing is, if he plays in a little bit more of a central position he can have a full-back, a left-full-back that will go round him all the time and gives you that width.”
Eberechi Eze not given preferred role due to Gabriel Martinelli shortcomings
Football Insider verdict
Having played predominantly as one of the attacking-midfielder’s behind the striker at Palace, playing out wide is not the usual spot for the England international.
However, the strength of the Gunners’ midfield suggests that Eze may struggle to force his way into the middle of the park triangle.
The left-hand side poses a particular weakness for Arteta, especially with Madueke now covering for the injured Bukayo Saka on the right wing.
| Gabriel Martinelli Premier League 2025-26 first three matches | |
| Appearances | 2 |
| Minutes played | 130 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 0 |
Gabriel Martinelli has been particularly poor on his preferred wing, failing to capitalise on numerous opportunities offered by the Spaniard.
Therefore, the Brazilian’s appalling form has forced the Arsenal manager’s hand to put his shiny new signing of Eze out wide in order to find a way to progress the faltering left flank.
Whether the 27-year-old remains on the left for the rest of the season is anybody’s guess, but an assist highlights his potential to knuckle down the position.