Eberechi Eze’s omission from Arsenal’s starting XI in their high-profile clash against Manchester City raised eyebrows across the footballing world. Despite his flair and early promise in an Arsenal shirt, manager Mikel Arteta opted for Leandro Trossard on the left flank — a player who hadn’t started a Premier League game this season prior to Sunday.
While pundits like Ian Wright questioned the decision post-match, Micah Richards offered a more tactical explanation during The Rest Is Football podcast, suggesting that Eze’s defensive limitations may have influenced Arteta’s call.
Tactical Caution Over Creative Risk
Richards acknowledged the widespread surprise at Eze’s exclusion, especially given his attacking impact in recent games. However, he pointed to Eze’s performance against Athletic Club in the Champions League as a possible red flag.
“Eze against Athletic Club… his defensive work wasn’t right at times,” Richards said. “He didn’t know when to push up or when to drop. He’s a player who wants to get on the ball. He doesn’t want to spend a load of time running back.”
Richards suggested that Arteta, wary of Manchester City’s ability to overwhelm teams in transition, may have opted for Trossard’s tactical discipline over Eze’s creative freedom.
The Martinelli Parallel
The debate around Eze’s role echoes a familiar story at Arsenal — that of Gabriel Martinelli. Once a fearless winger known for his relentless one-on-one duels, Martinelli has evolved into a more defensively responsible wide player under Arteta. While this shift has made him integral to Arsenal’s shape without the ball, it has arguably dulled some of his attacking spontaneity.
Eze, like Martinelli before him, risks being reshaped to fit the system — a move that could compromise the very qualities Arsenal paid a premium for. His ability to take risks, break lines, and disrupt rigid defensive blocks is what makes him special. Against City, when he was eventually introduced, Eze’s willingness to play outside the lines brought a noticeable shift in Arsenal’s attacking rhythm.
Arteta’s Balancing Act
Arteta now faces a familiar dilemma: how to integrate a maverick talent into a system built on structure and control. Eze’s defensive game can improve — as Jack Grealish’s evolution at City has shown — but the challenge lies in preserving his creative instincts while refining his tactical discipline.
Arsenal’s investment in Eze was a statement of intent. To get the best out of him, Arteta must resist the urge to over-regulate his game. Instead, he should nurture the unpredictability that makes Eze a match-winner — especially in games where Arsenal need more than just shape and possession.
As the season unfolds, Eze’s role will be one to watch. Whether he becomes another cog in Arteta’s machine or the spark that ignites it could define Arsenal’s attacking identity in 2025.
