What ‘unbelievable’ Arsenal star did on international duty proves Mikel Arteta is using him wrong
Arsenal entered the international break four points clear at the top of the Premier League, yet Mikel Arteta will use this period as an opportunity to reflect.
The Gunners have made an impressive start to the 2025/26 with a flawless Champions League record after four games and a place at the Premier League’s summit.
Arteta has seen several of his new signings contribute, too, with Martin Zubimendi starring as Arsenal’s midfield conductor, while Eberechi Eze has made an instant impact.
Arsenal captured Eze for £68million from Crystal Palace in the summer and saw the 27-year-old as a game-changing signing.
So far, Eze has scored the winner against Palace and contributed three assists in all competitions, but Arteta could arguably squeeze even more out of him by tweaking his position.
Eberechi Eze should play left wing for Arsenal once Martin Odegaard returns
Since making the switch from South London, Eze – who was called ‘unbelievable’ by Oliver Glasner – has been predominantly used as a number eight in the Gunners’ system.
The Englishman has been offered the license to occupy pockets of space centrally and assist with the creative void left behind following Martin Odegaard’s MCL injury.
However, during his time with the Eagles, Oliver Glasner deployed his star talent as an inverted left winger, allowing the talisman to use his explosiveness and ruthlessness in transition.
Eze is known for his sharp bursts and quick manipulation, becoming one of the Premier League’s most difficult players to stop.
That said, Arteta has relied on his playmaker to create chances centrally instead of destroying full-backs with his power, something he did on countless occasions at Crystal Palace and during England’s 2-0 win over Serbia.
Eberechi Eze scores again for England! ⚽️⚽️🏴
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) November 13, 2025
What a strike. Job done for the Three Lions 🦁#ITVFootball | #ThreeLions pic.twitter.com/hhtES5vCho
Coming off the bench in the 64th minute for Marcus Rashford, Eze collected the ball in the left channel from Phil Foden and clinically dispatched his first-time finish into the top right corner.
| Stat | Total |
| Minutes | 26 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Touches | 20 |
| Accurate passes | 10/14 (71%) |
In less than half an hour on the pitch, Arsenal’s No.10 proved to Arteta that he’s arguably more impactful as a left-winger, and once Odegaard returns after the break, he should be utilised in that role.
Arsenal’s attacking depth is scary
The reason Arsenal have previously faltered in their efforts to win the Premier League title is due to their lack of attacking depth.
Now, the Gunners have arguably the most fearsome attack in the league, with Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli and Eze all vying for a spot on the left wing.
Meanwhile, Noni Madueke’s return from injury will see him challenge Bukayo Saka for a place on the right flank, creating healthy competition for Arteta ahead of a busy Christmas schedule.
Arsenal will also be buoyed by Gabriel Jesus’ availability following his ACL injury, along with Kai Havertz, and that duo will challenge Viktor Gyokeres for a place up top.
A lot of attacking options present a welcome headache for Arteta, although he should try Eze as a left winger in the North London derby against Tottenham.