Eze's place in the Arsenal squad has been questioned again this season. He was left on the bench for four league matches after switching off when Matty Cash scored Aston Villa's opener in a 2-1 defeat in December 2025. Even England boss Thomas Tuchel hinted that the 28-year-old has not been at his best, saying Eze was "coming back to his true shape and form" in training during the last international break.
The scrutiny comes as Arsenal failed to land a new world-class attacker in the transfer window, despite interest in Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr and Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez. Christos Tzolis, signed from Club Brugge in the summer, had been the first-choice winger for Mikel Arteta until a hamstring injury on international duty opened a door for Eze. He scored in a start on the left wing against Lille in the Champions League but could not build on it against Forest.
Former Arsenal and England defender Matt Upson said finding a clear role has been the challenge. "When you come to a club with the stature and the quality of Arsenal, if you're not showing that you're nailing down a certain role, I think it's very very hard to maintain a position in the team," he said. Upson added that Eze does not look like a natural wide player, and that his high-end qualities are harder to show when the foundation of his position and headspace is unsettled.
The stats show Eze is far from sidelined. He started 36 of 63 matches last season, 57%, and has started 40 of 72 games since his Arsenal debut in August 2025. He has 11 goals in 61 appearances, and he delivered five goals against Tottenham Hotspur, including a hat-trick at home, plus winners against Newcastle and former club Crystal Palace as the Gunners won the title. With captain Martin Odegaard first choice in the number 10 role, Upson believes Eze must understand exactly what is wanted from him, and there are signs it could still click this season.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing