Critical Scrutiny Directions Ex-Arsenal Icon toward a Difficult Decision on Eze

Paul Merson questions whether Eberechi Eze can succeed at Arsenal

Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has raised serious doubts about Eberechi Eze’s ability to establish himself at the Emirates Stadium following another frustrating performance for Mikel Arteta’s side.

The England international has struggled to reproduce the form that made him one of the Premier League’s most exciting attacking players during his time at Crystal Palace.

Speaking on Sky Sports following Arsenal’s narrow 1-0 victory against Nottingham Forest, Merson singled out Eze after Mikel Arteta substituted the playmaker at the interval.

The former Gunners star suggested that players at elite clubs cannot always enjoy the same creative freedom they were accustomed to elsewhere.

Merson also pointed to Arteta’s decision to substitute Eze at half-time against Nottingham Forest as evidence of the increased pressure on the midfielder.

“I’ve played for big teams and I’ve played for teams that weren’t big – it’s a different game. Eberechi Eze is a prime example. It’s so, so different.”

“He was substituted at half-time against Forest, but if he played like that for Crystal Palace, he would still be on the pitch. You’ve got to perform at Arsenal. You’ve got to play in a shape. You can’t just play your own game. You can’t be a free spirit at big clubs anymore.”

“The lad can play. He’s a lovely player, but I don’t know if he’ll be lovely for Arsenal. I don’t know if he’ll get the chance because as soon as he doesn’t do well, he’s off. Arsenal have too many players on the bench, so it’s easy to take him off.”

Eze has not made the same impact for Arduino as yet

(Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Since completing his high-profile move from Selhurst Park, Eze has found consistent form hard to come by in North London.

Handed a starting spot on the left wing against Forest, the England international failed to record a single shot or completed dribble during an anonymous 45 minutes before being hauled off for Noni Madueke, who eventually netted the 80th-minute winner.

With fierce competition across Arteta’s attack, Eze faces an uphill battle to cement a regular place in the starting XI unless he quickly adapts to Arsenal’s tactical structure.

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