Why is Eberechi Eze struggling at Arsenal?
BBC Sport - Arsenal homepage
In-depth analysis on Eze's performance by Alex Howell.
Eberechi Eze's recent form has raised questions among Arsenal fans and pundits. Once known for his captivating skill and maverick style, the forward has been missing these key elements lately.
Recent Struggles
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Premier League Start: Sunday's 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest marked Eze's first league start of the season. However, he was substituted at halftime, having made only 9 passes and 22 touches.
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Previous Concerns: Similar questions arose in December 2025 when he switched off during Aston Villa's opening goal in a 2-1 defeat. Despite starting the subsequent game, he spent the next four league matches on the bench.
Under Scrutiny
The lack of a significant summer signing for Arsenal in the forward line has put added pressure on Eze. While Mikel Arteta has shown faith in him, his role within the team remains unclear.
Matt Upson, former Arsenal defender, suggests:
"Finding his role and position has been challenging... He doesn't play like a wide player... Just knowing your role when you're at a club like Arsenal is so important."
Past Successes
Eze's spectacular goals in significant moments, like the winner against Manchester City in the 2025 FA Cup final, showcase his potential. However, Arteta and Tuchel have both indicated that he is "coming back to his true shape and form" in training, suggesting room for improvement.